WESTFALL GENEALOGYMy Childhood Memories-Page 9a
Chapter 15-My Classmates & Other Fieldon, Otter Creek Township, and Jersey County, IL Families (Continued)
The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Janet Sue (Nichels) Freand.
Janet Sue Freand, 63, formerly of Jerseyville, died at 11:25 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007, at Skaggs Health Center in Branson. She was born Aug. 21, 1943, in Rosedale, Ill., to Leslie E. and Mary L. (Fryman) Nickels. She married Carl Freand on Sept. 29, 1962, in Jerseyville. He survives. A jewelry distributor in Branson, she retired in 2006. She was a member of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary in Jerseyville and past member of the Otterville Baptist Church and State Street Baptist Church. In addition to her husband, survivors include two sons and one daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Susan Freand of Brighton and Leslie Freand of Hollister, Mo.; two daughters, Carla Norris and Karen Freand, both of Hollister; three grandsons, Jacob Norris and Kyle and Ethan Freand; her mother, Mary L. Nickels of Jerseyville; three sisters, Barbara Ontis of Jerseyville and Martha Hayes and Anita Nickels, both of Jacksonville, Ill.; and one brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Carla Nickels of Holiday Shores. She was preceded in death by her father and a brother, Leslie David Nickels. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Alexander and Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where the Rev. Jon Lorch will officiate at services at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 2001 South Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131-3597.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Deron L "Peggy" (Schulte) Wolf.
Deron L "Peggy" (Schulte) Wolf, died 04-05-1984. Deron L "Peggy" Wolf, 40, of St. Louis died April 5, at St. Anthony hospital, St. Louis. Funeral Mass was held At St. Catherine Laboure Church, St. Louis with burial in Resurrection Cemetery, St. Louis. Fr Joseph Wolf was celebrant. She was born December 20, 1943 in E St. Louis and was a graduate from Jersey Community High School in 1961. Her parents are Donald Schulte, Grafton and Louise Hunter, Lepine, OR. Dorothy Schulte, Grafton is her stepmother. Other survivors are 5 bros, Donald Schulte Jr, Godfrey, Gerald Schulte, Vista, CA, Mark Phillips, Salt Lake City, UT, Billy Phillips, Provo, UT, Scott Schulte, Grafton; 4 sisters, Debra Hotz and Susan Schulte, Grafton, Celine Pankratius, Atlanta, GA, and Faith Thorne, Grass Valley, CA. Memorials may be given to Kidney Foundation.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Robert A. "Bob" Walkington.
Robert A. "Bob" Walkington, 59, died at 11:16 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10, 2002, at his residence. Born on Nov. 24, 1942, in Jerseyville, he was the son of Lindell "Buck" and Marie (Range) Walkington. On Sept. 13, 1986, he married Gayle D. (Beiser) Walkington, in Fort Collins, Colo. She survives and lives in Jerseyville. He was a self-employed photographer in Alton and served with the Jersey County Sheriff's Department from 1973 until 1986 as an investigator/deputy sheriff. A U.S. Army veteran serving during the Vietnam War, he was also a member of the Alton Eagles and tended the Delhi Baptist Church. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four daughters and spouses, Sheryl and Tom Phillips and LeAnne and Richard Snider, all of Jerseyville, Beth Ann Walkington of Pacific, Mo., and Sarah Walkington of Jerseyville; three sons, Brian, Adam and Caleb Walkington, all of Jerseyville; eight grandchildren; one sister, Shirlee Palmer of Colorado Springs, Colo.; one brother, Harold Walkington of Ault, Colo; one niece and four nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Visitation will also precede services at the Delhi Baptist Church, one hour prior to service time. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Delhi Baptist Church, with the Rev. Ron Phillips officiating. Any current or former law enforcement officers that would like to be a part of an honor guard should meet at the church at 9 a.m. Burial will be at East Newbern Cemetery near Dow where the Jerseyville American Legion and VFW will conduct full military honors. Memorials may be made to an education fund for his children, care of the funeral home.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Raymond Eakes.
Raymond Eakes, 61, died at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2004, at his home. A son of Opal (Ferguson) Eakes of Jerseyville and the late Milbern E. Eakes, he was born Nov. 7, 1942, in Hornbeak, Tenn. A retired employee of Illinois American Water Co. in Alton, he was a member of the Jerseyville Moose Lodge 695 and American Legion Post 126 of Alton. The 1961 graduate of Jersey Community High School was an avid horse lover and a member of the Jersey County Saddle Club and Local 553. He was an U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. In addition to his mother, surviving are a daughter, Meaghan Eakes of Godfrey; three sisters and their husbands, Patricia Loy of Delhi, Shelia and Donald Sevier of Alton and Belinda and Rick Woolsey of Delhi; six nieces and nephews, Kristi Steehlinger, Tonya Roberts, Kyle and Travis Woolsey, Stephanie Roberts and Kristopher Steehlinger; and a special friend, Belinda Daniels of Hartford. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday with the Rev. Ron Phillips officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville, with military services by American Legion Post 492. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Mylas R. Woolsey.
Mylas R. Woolsey, 56, died unexpectedly at 2:15 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, 2000, at his residence. Born Oct. 27, 1943, in Jerseyville, a son of the late David D. Woolsey and Christina (Liles) Long Woolsey. A U.S. Army Vietnam veteran and a member of Jerseyville American Legion Post No. 492. He was currently employed at the Alton Belle Casino in the utility department and was previously employed as a pharmacy technician for Kranich Drug Store and The Prescription Shop, both in Jerseyville. Surviving is a half brother, Morris F. Long of Jerseyville. He was preceded in death by three half brothers, Floyd S. Long, Anderson Long Jr. and an infant, Donnie Long. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. today at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville with the Rev. Ed Haun officiating and where military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post No. 492 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4528, both of Jerseyville. Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of arrangements.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Joyce A. (Bean) Staats.
Joyce A. Staats, 59, died at 1:04 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, at Alton Memorial Hospital. She was born July 3, 1943, in Alton to Hurbert Earl and Bernice Louise (Isringhausen) Bean. She married Fred C. Staats Aug. 18, 1985, at the First Baptist Church in Jerseyville. He survives. A member of First Baptist Church, Women of the Moose and Jersey County Senior Citizens, she was a beautician and owner of Joyce's Set & Curl in Jerseyville. She retired in 1999. Surviving, in addition to her husband, are two daughters and their husbands, Becky and Tod Castleberry of Winchester, Ill., and Beth and Carl Elliott of White Hall; a son, Brad Staats of White Hall; seven grandchildren; a brother, Roger Bean of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and her aunts and uncles, Hilda Fowler, Alberta Beiermann, both of Jerseyville, James Isringhausen of Delhi, Leonard and Geri Isringhausen of California and Wilber and Lena Bean of Jerseyville. Her parents preceded here in death. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville and from 9 a.m. until time of services at 10 a.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church in Jerseyville. Rev. Ed Haun will officiate. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be made to the church.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Carolyn Sue "Kaye" (Looper) McDonald.
Carolyn Sue "Kaye" McDonald, 62, died unexpectedly at 10:02 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006, at her home. Born Aug. 20, 1943, in Jerseyville, she was one of three children of Elmer O. and Minnie (Daringer) Looper. She graduated in 1961 from Jersey Community High School and later obtained her certification to become a certified nurse's aide. She enjoyed her profession and the people she cared for in their homes. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and James Hillis of Panama City Beach, Fla.; a son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Sarah McDonald of Jerseyville; and a brother and sister-in-law, Elmer Leroy and Mary Ann Looper of Bunker Hill. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Sharon Looper. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where Father William Hembrow will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Monday. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. In honor of her love of animals, memorials may be given to the 5A's Humane Society in Alton.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Margaret Elaine (Dierking) Davies.
Margaret Elaine (Dierking) Davies, 62, formerly of Jerseyville, died Monday, March 6, 2006, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. She was born April 1, 1943, in Jerseyville to Nolan Ansell and Myra A. (Fitzpatrick) Dierking. She graduated from Jersey Community High School in 1961 and earned a degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Soon after graduating from college, she moved to Kansas City, Mo., where she became employed as a caseworker for the Social Security Administration. Surviving are two children, Andrea and Greg, both of California; a grandson, Lance; two sisters, Mary Scoggins of Jerseyville and Elizabeth Anne Hunter of Grafton; and three brothers, James Dierking of Pontiac, Ill., Joseph Dierking of Jerseyville and Patrick Dierking of Alton. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, John Dierking. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Graveside services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Jerseyville, with Father D. Patrick Gibbons officiating. Memorials may be given to the St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools of Jerseyville.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, James Douglas Fessler.
James D. Fessler, 42, of Jerseyville, died at Alton Memorial hospital July 28, as a result of an explosion at Olin's East Alton plant where he had worked for 20 years. Fessler had worked all of his 20 years in the ammunitions department of Olin's Winchester group operations plant. Primer powder was being mixed at the time of the explosion. The area where the blast occurred is in the center of the Olin plant on the "primer island". Fessler had worked alone in the small wooden building which is enclosed by concrete walls. An intensive investigation is being conducted by Olin Corporation. Fessler was born April 18, 1942 in Alton, son of James H. & Mary M. (Stafford) Fessler of Dow. His survivors include his wife, Juanita E. (Hooper) Fessler whom he married June 20, 1964 in Jerseyville; 1 son, Danny; 2 daughters, Kathy and Becky Fessler, at home; his parents; 5 sisters, June Moore of Jerseyville, Margaret Bartles, Dorsey, Ruth Jacoby, Brighton, Norma Cooksey, Delavan and Evelyn Stufflebeam, Summerville, SC. 1 sister preceded him in death. Services were conducted at Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Rev. R. E. George officiated and burial was in Oak Grove cemetery. Memorials may be given to Methodist children's home at Mt. Vernon.
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The obituary information of another of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, my cousin Virgil Griffin.
Virgil Griffin, son of Wesley and Anna (Westfall) Griffin was born Nov. 5, 1943 in Jersey County, IL, and died 1-30-1993 in Jersey County, IL. He is buried at Grimes-Neely Cemetery, English Township, Jersey County, IL. Virgil married the former Norma Herman and they had 2 daughters, Anna (Bailey) Griffin, Dawn (Kellam) Griffin, and a son Chris Griffin.
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The obituary information of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, my cousin JoAnn (Westfall) Brown.
JoAnn (Westfall) Brown was born May 18, 1941 and died June 1, 1997. She was the daughter of Floyd and Bertha (Wanick) Westfall. She married Clarence Lyle Brown and they had 2 sons-Daniel Eugene Brown and Randel Lyle Brown.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates, Richard F. Kraushaar, the son of my mother's cousin Otto Kraushaar, who graduated from Jersey Community High School in 1958.
Richard F. Kraushaar, 58, of Michael, died Wednesday, May 13, 1998 at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville after a lengthy battle with cancer and diabetes. He graduated from Jersey Community High School in 1958 and was a self-employed farmer for 30 years in Jersey, Greene, and Calhoun counties. Then he worked at Capri Sun Kraft Food in Granite City until his retirement in 1997. He was a member of the St. Michael Catholic Church in Michael and Calhoun Farm Bureau in Hardin. He never met a stranger and enjoyed hunting, working, and especially farming, as well as reminiscing with acquaintances. Born January 19, 1940 in Fieldon, he was the son of the late Otto and Addie McCartney Kraushaar. He married Rita M. Sievers September 5, 1959 in Meppen and she survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Nancy Kraushaar of Michael; three sisters, Pat Jones of Michael, Judy Byrd of Madison County, and Mabel Dunham of Alton; uncle and aunt Tony and Rose McCartney of Wood River; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe an Clara Sievers of Hardin; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Lee Barbary and Irma Kraushaar. Visitation was held Friday at Hanks-Gubser Funeral Home in Hardin. The Funeral was conducted Saturday, May 16, 1999 at St. Norbert's Catholic Church in Hardin with Rev. Sylvano Pera, O.F.M. officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Order of Franciscan Monks or the American Cancer Society.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Robert Eugene "Stub" Devening.
Robert Eugene "Stub" Devening, 64, died at 3 a.m. Thursday, March 3, 2005, at Christian Hospital Northeast in St. Louis County after a very brief battle with cancer. He was born on March 31, 1940, near Fieldon, one of two children of Ned and Ruth M. (Pruitt) Devening. After graduating from Jersey Community High School, he married the former Sharon Lane on April 4, 1959, at the Fieldon United Church of Christ, and they shared nearly 46 years together. He retired in 1994 from Laclede Steel, where he had been employed as a wire drawer for 35 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cards with his buddies in Jerseyville and Roodhouse. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Red Frazier of Jerseyville; three sons and a daughter-in-law, Randy and Catherine Devening of Jerseyville, Scott Devening of Fredericksburg, Va., and Brad Devening of Herrin; six grandchildren, James and Brian Devening, Tiffany and Krystal Devening, Brittany Holmes and Korey Devening; a sister, Deloris Dahn of Jerseyville; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday. The Rev. Clyde Shaw will officiate. Burial will be at Fieldon Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates, Donald Russell, who attended Jersey Community High School with me.
Donald Russell, 65, died at 11:34 a.m. Monday, March 12, 2007, at his home. He was born Sept. 25, 1941, to Charles William and Anna Marie (Minard) Russell. He and the former Margaret Adams were married on Dec. 10, 1968, in Grant Town, W.Va. She died Sept. 7, 2006. Survivors include a sister, Esther Howard of Jerseyville; and three brothers and sisters-in-law, Alfred and Jean Russell, Charles and Betty Russell, all of Jerseyville, and Clarence "Pat" and Margaret Russell of Kane. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John Russell; and a sister, Leona Roe. Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family in care of Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home of Jerseyville.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates, Vincent Edward Heitzig, who attended Jersey Community High School with me.
Vincent Edward Heitzig, 61, died at 9:10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, 2006, at his home. He was born July 29, 1945, in Alton to Vincent and Doris Lee (Long) Heitzig. His marriage to the former Judy Hays took place on Aug. 10, 1979, in Jerseyville. She survives. He had been a farmer in Westwoods and was a member of the St. Mary's Westwoods Church, Jerseyville Moose, Knights of Columbus, Farm Bureau, and a trustee with Richwood Township. In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters and one son-in-law, Nannette Heitzig of Jerseyville and Holly (Heitzig) and Robert Przygoda and their sons, Nathan and Kyle, of St. Louis; two stepsons and stepdaughters-in-law, Jeff and Lisa Allgood of Girard and their children, Justin, Jarrod, Jordan and Russtin, and Steve and Kathy Allgood of Wood River and their children, Josh, Blake, Zack, Ashley and Alicia; three sisters and three brothers-in-law, Debbie (Heitzig) and Terry Drainer of Grafton, Beatrice (Heitzig) and Mike Hodge of Roanoke, Texas, Dianne (Heitzig) and Rick Bain of Grafton; one brother, Dennis Heitzig of St. Louis; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m., with a rosary at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday at the St. Mary's Westwoods Church in Fieldon. The Rev. William H. Hembrow conducted funeral services at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Burial was at the St. Mary's Westwoods Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Masses or Blessing Hospice of Greene County. Alexander and Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of arrangements.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Carole L. "Mickey" (Griffin) Schroeder.
Carole L. "Mickey" Schroeder, 62, died at 12:30 a.m. Saturday, May 17, 2003, at Christian Hospital Northeast in St. Louis County. The daughter of the late Emmet F. "Butch" and Alma Cornelia (Halley) Griffin, she was born on Dec. 24, 1940, in Alton. On June 27, 1960, she married Edgar L. Schroeder in Jerseyville. He died Dec. 21, 1994. She graduated from Jersey Community High School with the Class of 1958. She was employed for many years at the Jerseyville Public Library and with the Jersey County Clerk's office, but most recently was associated as a real estate agent with Lois Colman-Rolando Real Estate in Jerseyville. A member of the First Baptist Church, she was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Women of the Moose, all in Jerseyville. Survivors include three children, Ellen Schroeder of Bedford, Texas, Diane (husband Rick) Blaha of Pleasant Prairie, Wisc., and Russell F. (wife Renee) Schroeder of Godfrey; three grandchildren, Tyler and Megan Schroeder and Ricky Blaha; two sisters, Alma "Peg" Phelan of Bunker Hill and Nancy "Susie" Wayman of Jerseyville; a brother, Floyd Russell Griffin of Macon, Mo.; and her father-in-law and his wife, Russell and Margaret Schroeder of Jerseyville. In addition to her parents and husband, her mother-in-law, Irene Schroeder, preceded her in death. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. today at Crawford Funeral Home (Jacoby Chapel) in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Rev. Ed Haun officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church of Jerseyville or to the American Heart Association.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Mildred Pearl (Kappler) Ross.
Mildred Pearl Ross, 63, died at 4:45 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2004, at Alton Memorial Hospital from complications of kidney cancer, which she had battled for the past 3 1/2 months. She was born Oct. 7, 1940, in Jerseyville, to Louis Edward Kappler of Jerseyville and the late Mary Elizabeth (Robbins) Kappler. After graduating in 1958 from Jersey Community High School, she continued her education at Illinois State University in Normal for two years, studying to be a teacher. She married Rodney Ross on March 16, 1960, in Bloomington, Ill., and returned to the Carrollton area. After helping on the family farm and rearing her children, she continued her educational career at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and earned a bachelor's degree. She substituted throughout Greene County and later obtained a position with the Jersey Community Unit School District 100. She was an instructor with the Head Start Program, retiring in 2002. After her retirement, she substituted in Greene County. A member of the Jerseyville Moose Lodge, she loved to crochet, quilt and was an avid bowler, belonging to several different leagues. In addition to her husband and father, surviving are three children and their spouses, Richard and Laura Ross of Carrollton, Kenneth and Terri Ross of Auburn, and Deborah and Randy Stone of Roodhouse; 12 grandchildren; six sisters and brothers-in-law, Edith and Jessie Lester, Esther and Robert Evans, Ruth Ann McClintock, Violet and William Clendenny, and Darlene and Douglas Miller, all of Jerseyville, and Carolyn and Kenneth Plummer of Rosedale; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Ann Kappler of Pine Bluff, Ark., and David and Omok Kappler of Jerseyville; her father-in-law, Harvey Ross and his wife, Alberta, of Carrollton. Besides her mother, she was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Ethel Ross; and a brother-in-law, Lloyd McClintock. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday. Burial will be at Kane Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Kane Cemetery.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, a daughter of my mother's cousin, Patricia Louise (Shults) Rench.
Patricia Louise Rench, 60, died at 9:10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, at Jersey Community Hospital after a four-year fight with ovarian cancer. She was born Nov. 17, 1942, in Jerseyville to William H. Shults and Ethel Mae (Boomer) Shults McGowen. A 1960 graduate of Jersey Community High School, she began working at Rudolph's Department Store in Jerseyville, where she and her future husband both worked. After her marriage, she elected to stay home and care for her family. She enjoyed traveling, was an avid reader, reading a book a day, and especially enjoyed decorating, a hobby that was enhanced by assisting her daughter at the Red Rooster in Jerseyville. She married James K. Rench Dec. 28, 1963, in Waterloo and they have shared and enjoyed 39 years of marriage. In addition to her husband, surviving are a daughter, Penny Rench of Jerseyville; a nephew and his wife, Robert and Bev Schneider of Jerseyville; and her mother-in-law, Lois Rench of Hillsboro. She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Shirley Schneider. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. There will be no funeral services and private burial will be at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the Jersey County Relay for Life.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Robert William Scoggins.
Robert William Scoggins, 61, died at 5:42 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, 2004, at his home, after a 22-year battle with cancer. He was born in Jerseyville on Dec. 1, 1942, the son of Blanche (Graner) Scoggins Barber of Jerseyville and the late William David Branston Scoggins. A 1960 graduate of Jersey Community High School, he earned a bachelor of arts degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he majored in zoology. He worked for a very short time after graduation at the Alton Box Board before enlisting with the U.S. Army. He was stationed in El Paso, Texas, during the Vietnam War, where he was head of the hematology department. After discharge, he worked in the research lab for Ralston Purina in Washington, Mo., before choosing to move back to his hometown in 1972. He accepted a position with Country Companies Insurance, where he served as an agent for 18 years, retiring in 1990 due to poor health. Even though he fought cancer for the past 22 years, it never diminished his sense of humor, or his zest for life, as he continued to enjoy auctions, fishing and spending time with his children and his beloved grandchildren. In addition to his mother, he is survived by a son, David Scoggins of Jerseyville; three daughters and two sons-in-law, Mary and Kevin Scott of Fieldon, Angela and Samuel Scott of Atlanta and Deborah Scoggins of Jerseyville; and six grandchildren, Cassie, Derek, Sophia, Joshua, Lucas and Robert William. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father D. Patrick Gibbons officiating. Burial will be at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Down Syndrome Association.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Jerry Lee Whitlock.
Jerry Lee Whitlock, 59, died at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, 2004, at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Jerseyville on Dec. 15, 1944, the only child born to Pauline (Hetzel) Whitlock of Jerseyville and the late George Whitlock. After graduating in 1962 from Jersey Community High School, he entered the U.S. Navy, where he served for four years during the Vietnam War. Soon after returning home, he married the former Doris Nairn of Grafton, at the United Methodist Church in Grafton, on Feb. 17, 1968. She survives. He spent most of his adult life employed at Owens-Illinois Glass factory in Alton, attaining the position of mechanical repairman, before the plant closed. Afterwards, he dabbled in television repair work in the Grafton area. In addition to his mother and wife, survivors include two children, Andy Lee Whitlock of Grafton and Amanda Marie Whitlock of Alton; several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Besides his father, his mother and father-in-law, John and Edith Nairn, preceded him in death. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. The Grafton American Legion will conduct military graveside rites at the Scenic Hill Cemetery in Grafton. Memorial gifts may be directed to the family, who will decide what charity will benefit from his memory.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Dennis Lawrence Witt.
Dennis Lawrence Witt, 55, formerly of Jerseyville, died at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, 2000, at his residence. Born Sept. 3, 1944, in Carlinville, he was a son of Charles and Betty (Schaaf) Witt, former Jerseyville and Carlinville residents, now of Alton. He was a 1962 graduate of Jersey Community High School and lived in the Alton, Godfrey area for a short time before moving to Arizona and eventually to Texas. Also surviving are two sisters, Dawn Wakeford of Camdenton, Mo. and Cheryl Strohbeck of Brighton. Visitation will be form 5 - 8 p.m. Tuesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Austin, Texas. Crawford Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Larry E. Hardwick.
Larry E. Hardwick, 56, died Saturday evening, Sept. 16, 2000, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield. Born July 16, 1944, in Alton, he was a son of Harvey E. and Emma B. (Evans) Hardwick. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he was employed by Mobil Chemical in Jacksonville from 1965 to 1988. He then went to work as sales manager at Liberty Olds-Cadillac before becoming manager of Spradlin Home Sales in Springfield. He enjoyed working on and restoring classic cars. He married the former Marilyn Hopper July 30, 1965, in Jerseyville. She survives in South Jacksonville. Also surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Penny Hardwick of Jacksonville and Jeffrey and Tonya Hardwick of South Jacksonville; a daughter, Lisa Hardwick of Jacksonville; five granddaughters; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Marsha and Calvin Lesher of Chino, Calif., Diana Julius and Linnea Cunningham, both of Springfield; and his mother-in-law, Edna Hopper of Jerseyville. He was preceded in death by a brother, Rodney Hardwick, a sister, Sylvia Dodd, and his father-in-law, Glenn E. Hopper. Visitation will be after 2 p.m. Tuesday at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville, where the family will meet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Diamond Grove Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to South Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Squad.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Janice R. (Stevens) Voss.
Janice R. Stevens-Voss, 59, died at 5 a.m. Friday, Sept. 17, 2004, at her home after a short bout with cancer. She was born July 12, 1945, at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton, one of five daughters of Roger and Marjorie (Calame) Stevens. After the death of her mother, her father married Gertrude OIJ Stevens, who is deceased. She married Stephen Voss Sr. on June 1, 1997, in Las Vegas. He survives. A 1963 graduate of Jersey Community High School, the vast majority of her adult life was working at the Alton Box Board and Mead Packaging at the Godfrey plant. During her career, she worked up to roto press operator, retiring in 1997 when the plant closed, after 23 years of service. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two children born to her in her marriage to the late Robert Walkington; a daughter and son-in-law, Sheryl and Tom Phillips of Jerseyville; a son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Seaan Walkington of Jerseyville; nine grandchildren; four stepchildren and their spouses, Stephen and Dawn Voss Jr., Deborah and Hermann Maple, David and Ann Voss, all of Alton, and Jeff and Dawn Voss of Wood River; eight stepgrandchildren; one stepgreat-granddaughter; and four sisters and brothers-in-law, Joanne and Jim Applegate of Naples, Fla., Mary Jane and Jim Russell of Jerseyville, Cara and Mark Cummiskey of Marietta, Ga., and Jeanne and Carl Crowe of Jacksonville, Fla. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Monday. Pastor Seeram Garney will officiate. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Memorials may be given to the Jerseyville Public Library.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Mary Ann (Lurton) Brainerd.
Mary Ann Brainerd, 60, died peacefully at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 8, 2006, at her home. She was born on Aug. 26, 1945, in Alton, one of seven children of William Pearl and Elizabeth Lucille (McDow) Lurton. Her marriage to Richard C. Brainerd took place Jan. 16, 1965, in Alton, and the two shared 23 years together before his death Nov. 18, 1989. A graduate of Jersey Community High School, she was part owner of Brainerd's Village Inn in Grafton, retiring after the death of her husband. The vast majority of her life was spent as a homemaker, taking care and loving her two children, taking them to and from many school events, and felt her reward was her three grandchildren, whom she loved and thought of as her world. Surviving are a son, Darren Brainerd of Dow; a daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Pat Muenstermann of Dow; three grandchildren, Breanna, Jonathan and Bethany Muenstermann; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Jane and Allen Dunn of Hollister, Calif., and Alice and Charles Dodson of Godfrey; four brothers and sisters-in-law, William Lurton of Long Lake, Minn., Donald Lurton of Gaffney, S.C., Clayton and Marlene Lurton of Chicago and Robert and Donna Lurton of Carrollton. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and a sister-in-law, Sue Lurton, who died just a few hours after her death in Long Lake. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. James Lampley will officiate. Burial will be alongside her husband at Newbern Cemetery in Dow. Memorials may be given to St. Francis/Holy Ghost schools in Jerseyville, where her three grandchildren are students, or to the Godfrey Church of Christ.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Thomas Joseph Lahey.
Thomas Joseph Lahey, 63, died at 12:06 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2005, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Tom, one of seven children, was born on Nov. 13, 1941, in St. Louis, the son of the late Benjamin and Dorothy (Fleming) Lahey. He came from a close family and attended St. Francis Grade School and graduated from Jersey Community High School. After serving overseas in Germany with the U.S. Army, he returned home and began a career with Laclede Steel Company in Alton that spanned over 30 years before his retirement. Tom was a quiet and distinguished guy and was a rabid car enthusiast, being particularly fond of in 1962 Chevrolet, his pickup, but his pride and joy was his 1966 Corvette. He never married and didn't have children of his own, but nieces and nephews considered him and a father figure and loved and respected him immensely. He is survived by two sisters and a brother-in-law, Mary Ellen Lahey of Jerseyville, Carol and Joseph Nord of Carrollton; two brothers and a sister-in-law, John Lahey of Jerseyville; and Ben and Connie Lahey of Bethalto; a sister-in-law, Linda Lahey of Jerseyville; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Gerald Lahey on Oct. 14, 1967, and Richard Lahey on April 18, 2005. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where Father William Hembrow will conduct a prayer service at 2 p.m. A funeral Mass will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father D. Patrick Gibbons officiating. Burial will be at St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools or the American Diabetes Association.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, David A. Weller.
David A. Weller, 57, formerly of Fieldon, died Thursday, June 5, 2003, at his home. He was born Jan. 12, 1946, in Jerseyville to Everett and Merle Weller. He married the former Edna Herder on Nov. 15, 1965. She survives. The Vietnam veteran served with the U.S. Marines from 1965 until 1967. In addition to his wife, surviving are a son, Timothy Weller of Forkland, Ala.; a daughter and son-in-law, Lydia and Shawn Lagrone of Forkland; a sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Ronald Witcher of Alton; a brother and sister-in-law, Percy and Yoshi Weller of Aberdeen, Md.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Edwin and Richard Weller. The body was cremated, and private memorial services will be held later. Serenity Funeral Home of Theodore, Ala., was in charge of arrangements.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Margaret Ann "Maggie" (Brawner) Flowers.
Margaret Ann "Maggie" Flowers, 58, died unexpectedly at 1:16 a.m. Monday, March 14, 2005, at her residence. She was born on March 25, 1946, one of two daughters of the late Maurice Hume and Alvina (Snyder) Brawner. On Nov. 1, 1982, in Jerseyville, she married Richard L. Flowers and he survives. She grew up in St. Louis until her family moved to Grafton when she was a teenager and had been a resident of the area for the majority of her adult life. She was an active member of both the First Baptist Church and the American Legion Auxiliary, both of Grafton. Besides her husband, surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Rachel and Terry LaMarsh of Brussels; two sons and daughters-in-law, Edward and Heather L. Calvin, and Donald and Heather M. Calvin, all of Grafton; five grandchildren, Heather, Joseph and Elizabeth Hutchinson, Emily and Richie Calvin, and one due next month; and a sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Jonathan Hayes of Jerseyville; and a very special friend, Neva "Tiny" Monroe of Grafton. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at the First Baptist Church of Grafton with the Rev. William Hendricks officiating. Burial will be in Scenic Hill Cemetery in Grafton. Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church in Grafton or the American Legion Auxiliary.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Mary Jean (Beiermann) Bushnell.
Mary Jean Bushnell, 63, died Friday, Sept. 7, 2007, at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born July 12, 1944, in Fieldon, she was the daughter of the late Victor and Josephine (Kanallakan) Beiermann. She married Marlin "Bud" Bushnell on Aug. 13, 1965. He survives. She worked at Shop & Save in Alton. She loved her time with her grandchildren and trap shooting. In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, Brian Bushnell of Wood River; two daughters and their husbands, Rachel and Gaberial Olivas of LaMirada, Calif., and Elaine and Josh Maxeiner of Alton; four grandchildren; a sister and her husband, Evelyn and Bob Steckel of Jerseyville; and a sister-in-law, Rita Key of Roodhouse. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Cletus Beiermann. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday. Burial will follow at Carrollton City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family for medical expenses. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Arthur E. Tucker's daughter and my mother Lovie (Kraushaar) Westfall's cousin Elizabeth (Kraushaar) Tucker's granddaughter, Carmen L. (Tucker) Woodring - Carmen Louise Woodring, 64, died at 8:12 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008, at Willow Rose Rehabilitation and Health Care in Jerseyville after a brief illness. She was born in Jerseyville Jan. 3, 1944, the daughter of Winona (Wineland) Tucker of Jerseyville and the late Arthur "Bud" Tucker. She married Marlin "Woody" Woodring on Feb. 25, 1984, at Fieldon Baptist Church. He survives. A lifelong Jersey County resident, she graduated in 1962 from Jersey Community High School. She worked at Temple Cleaners in Alton for 16 years and later was a presser at Piasa Cleaners in Alton when it initially opened. She worked there for six years before retiring in 2006. A devoted and loyal member of the Church of the Nazarene in Jerseyville, she had a passion for children and enjoyed her participation as a Sunday school teacher and with the "Caravan Kids."
In addition to her husband and mother, surviving are four children and their spouses, Robin and Morris Booth of Fidelity, Douglas and Leanne Burgess Sr. of Brighton, Michael Burgess and his companion, Patti Bella, and Darren Burgess, all of Fidelity; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; five stepchildren and their spouses, Tim and Cindy Woodring of Alabama, Tom and Cory Woodring of Colorado Springs, Colo., Terry and Laura Woodring of Jerseyville, Tina Deremiah of Blue Springs, Mo., and Steven Woodring of Jerseyville; five stepgrandchildren; and two sisters and a brother-in-law, Beth and Bob Frye of Jerseyville and Kathy Plough of Godfrey. Besides her father, she was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Burgess, on April 22, 1976, an infant son and a brother who was killed in action in Vietnam, Arthur Tucker. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. until services at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. The Rev. Matthew Van Gilderr will officiate. Following the ceremony, family and friends are invited back to the Church of the Nazarene in Jerseyville for a dinner. Memorials may be made to the church.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Craig Alan Schaake.
Craig A. Schaake, 63, died Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in the company of family and friends. He was born in Dow on Jan. 10, 1945. Surviving are two children, Erin Greer of Valley Park, Mo., and Brian Schaake of Delhi; four grandchildren; three brothers, Louis and Eldon Schaake of Dow and Blake Schaake of Godfrey. Services are pending. St. Louis Cremation is in charge of arrangements. He will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery in St. Louis.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Sierra Sue (McEvers) Wade.
Sierra Sue Wade, 64, died unexpectedly at 10:22 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008, at her residence. She was born in Great Bend Kan., July 28, 1944, the daughter of Albert Harold and Grace (Richard) McEvers. She graduated in 1962 from Jersey Community High School, and shortly thereafter married Gary Wade July 6, 1962, in Carlinville. The two have shared 46 years together and the joys of three daughters. They renewed their wedding vows again in 2000 in Las Vegas, one of their favorite vacation spots. Through their married life, the couple enjoyed traveling extensively throughout the country with Branson, Mo., also a favorite destination. They were a social couple and enjoyed their family and friends and their many meals shared at Fran and Marilyn's in Jerseyville. She worked at the Stadium Theatre in Jerseyville for 11 years, and as a clerk at Movie Mart in Jerseyville for 14 years.
Surviving are her husband Gary Wade of Jerseyville; three daughters and sons-in-law, Terri and Darin Howland, Sheryl and Don Simpson and Debbie and Mike Bader, all of Jerseyville; two granddaughters, whom she adored, Ashley Jones and Kelsey Howland; three step-grandchildren, Chris Bader and Lindsey and LaNae Simpson; a brother and sister-in-law, Burl "Lucky" and B.J. McEvers of Kane. She was preceded in death by her parents and a half brother, Robert Wyatt. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1... Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Jane Ann (Hamblen) Tuey.
Jane Ann (Hamblen) Tuey, 62, died at 2:20 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, at Jerseyville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born Oct. 17, 1946, in Alton, to James Theodore "Ted" and Lucille Theresa (Tonsor) Hamblen. She married Charles Eugene Tuey on July 2, 1969, at the First Baptist Church. He survives. She retired as director of Illinois Valley Child Care. She was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her grandmother, Cecelia Groppel of Jerseyville; her mother of Jerseyville; a son, Richard Eugene Tuey of Alton; five grandchildren, Trent, Tristin, Trey, Troy and Emily Tuey; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, J.J. and Cindy Hamblen of Waterloo, Ill., Greg and Linda Hamblen of Jerseyville and Gary Hamblen of Hardin; and five sisters and their husbands, Marilyn and Richard Schroeder, Martha and David Kadell and Anita and Rodney Driver, all of Jerseyville, Allison and Mike Amburg of Grafton and Lisa and Jason Shumaker of Jerseyville. Her father preceded her in death. Visitation, with a 3:45 p.m. prayer service, will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Alexander and Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville. The Rev. William H. Hembrow will officiate. Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to masses or Holy Ghost/St. Francis Schools.
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The obituary of another of my high school classmates who attended high school with me at Jersey Community High School, Gary M. Bridges.
Gary M. Bridges, 62, died at 4:15 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2008, at his home. He was born Dec. 19, 1945, in Jerseyville to William L. and Clara B. (Watts) Bridges. His marriage to the former Patricia Betz took place Nov. 4, 1967, in Alton. The U.S. Army Vietnam veteran was a route salesman for Colonial Bakery and Lewis Brothers Bakery. He was a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville.
In addition to his wife, survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Tracie and Rory Shires of Jerseyville; one son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Michelle Bridges of Kampsville; four grandchildren, Kallie and Katie Shires and Joshua and Audrey Bridges; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Barb Bridges of Jerseyville and Robert and Gloria Bridges of Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Alexander and Gubser Funeral Home in Jerseyville. A funeral Mass will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church with the Rev. William H. Hembrow officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery with military graveside rites by Jerseyville American Legion Post 492. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Masses.
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The obituary of one of my high school classmates who graduated with me in 1961 from Jersey Community High School, Robert E Wiist.
Died 11-01-1963. Robert E Wiist, 24, of the Fieldon vicinity, died January 11 at the home of his parents near Fieldon. Final rites were held January 14, at Jacoby Brothers Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Rev H O Renkin, pastor of United Church of Christ, Fieldon, officiated and interment was in Fieldon Cemetery. He was the son of Edward & Virginia (Wheaton) Wiist, Fieldon and was born in Jersey County on March 25, 1938. He was a member of the United Church of Christ, Fieldon and Loyal order of Moose #695, Jerseyville. He was engaged in farming with his father. Surviving are his parents; his wife, Linda (Hearty) Wiist, Fieldon; 1 brother, William Wiist, Godfrey; 2 sisters, Mrs Richard Wilson, Jerseyville and Miss Marcella Wiist, Fieldon ---incomplete---
Go To My Childhood Memories-Page 9b
