Josie "Marlene" Huelsmann

Josie “Marlene” Huelsmann, 77, of Highland, IL, passed away peacefully, Monday, December 29, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital, surrounded by her family.

Marlene was born August 17, 1948, to Joe and Mildred (Nee Ingram) Phelps, in Birmingham, AL. On November 12, 1976, she married Jim Huelsmann in Birmingham.

She was a very active member of First Baptist Church in Highland, IL. Marlene served as a Deacon, played piano, and was a part of the Joyful Singers, going to different nursing homes to sing Christmas Carols. She enjoyed playing softball, going bowling, and playing racquetball when she was a young mother. Marlene passionately shared her love of Alabama Crimson Tide football to her children and grandchildren. She loved to go to the beach and was very excited and happy to be a grandma and a great grandma.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Mildred Phelps; a son, Todd Sands; and sister, Vanesse McKinney.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Jim Huelsmann, Highland, IL; children, Craig (Shelly) Sands, Highland, IL, Heather (Matt) Hulvey, Highland, IL, and Jennifer (John) Geiger, Highland, IL; grandchildren, Brendan (Sophie) Sands, Megan (Kash) Smith, Connor (Paige) Sands, Nathan Hulvey, and Collin Hulvey; great-grandchild, Gianni Smith; brother, Scott (Cindy) Phelps, Springdale, AL; and multiple nephews and nieces.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or American Heart Association.

Visitation: Sunday, January 4, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, and Monday, January 5, 2026, from 9:00 to 10:30 am at First Baptist Church, Highland

Funeral Service: Monday, January 5, 2026, at 10:30 am at First Baptist Church, Highland

Clergy: Rev. Cody Knapik, Pastor

Interment: Highland City Cemetery

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL