Obituaries

Nov 6, 2024

Margaret T. “Peg” Zediker, 85, of Caseyville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Caseyville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born on June 7, 1939, in Highland, IL, to Othmar J. and Mary Ann (nee Feehan) Long. In August of 1988, she married Harry Zediker in Las Vegas, NV.

A beloved aunt,...

Nov 5, 2024

Patrick “Pato” Michael Garcia, 39, of Fairmont City, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

He was born on January 6, 1985, in St. Louis, MO, to Gilbert and Tina (Cantrell) Garcia.

Pat found his greatest joy in the love of his family, and nothing brought him more pride than his role as...

Nov 5, 2024

Edwards County Circuit Judge, The Honorable Michael Joseph Valentine, 43, passed away on November 5, 2024, at his residence in Edwards County, Illinois.

He was born on April 14, 1981 in Chicago, Illinois, to Michael J. Valentine Sr. and Marilyn (Jablonowski) Valentine.

Michael earned his law degree at Southern Illinois University. He was elected State’s...

Nov 3, 2024

Edwin Clayton Merrick, Jr., known as JR, passed away on November 3, 2024 in Fairfield, IL. He was 40.

JR was born on April 17, 1983 in Vincennes, Indiana, the son of Edwin Merrick Sr. and Linda (McDowell) Merrick.

He worked as a welder. He was a member of the Lancaster Christian Church, in Lancaster,...

Nov 3, 2024

Paul M. Sweitzer, Jr., 70, of Caseyville, IL, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 3, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born on September 5, 1954, in East St. Louis, IL

Paul dedicated over 45 years of his life to Wilbert Burial Vault, where he served with compassion and integrity, helping countless...

Nov 2, 2024

Margaret LeAnne (Fischer) Betts, aged 76, passed away on November 2, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her loving family, after a long battle with cancer.

She was born on November 12, 1947, in St. Louis, MO, the second child of Robert G. and Audrey A. (Fiebiger) Fischer.  Margaret grew up in Harvester, MO and graduated from...

Nov 1, 2024

Eileen Marie Smith, 66, of Highland, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on May 2, 1958, in Chicago, IL, to Jack F. Murphy and Bernice E. Dillon Eileen and her husband, Jim, have been together since 1976.

Eileen...

Oct 29, 2024

Patricia “Pat” L. Hilderbrand, 75, of Collinsville, IL, passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at her home in Collinsville, IL.

She was born on August 23, 1949, in East St. Louis, IL to Floyd and Louise (nee Cattani) Scott.

Pat was known for her remarkable talent as a seamstress, a gift she poured into countless...

Oct 28, 2024

Lawrence P. “Larry” Koch, 88, of Highland, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Well Care of Highland.

He was born on May 6, 1936, in Breese, IL, to Quinten and Leona (nee Hellige) Koch, the oldest of their 5 children. He attended St. Paul Catholic School in Highland, IL. On February 7, 1959,...

Oct 20, 2024

Robert “Bob” S. Hubbs, 92, of Alhambra, IL, passed away Sunday, October 20, 2024, at Hitz Memorial Home, in Alhambra, IL, surrounded by his family.

He was born on February 27, 1932, in Beloit, KS, to John and Nellie (nee Hall) Hubbs. On November 9, 1952, he married the love of his life, Joan Charpentier, in New...

Oct 18, 2024

Patricia I. Cisne 79, of Wayne City, IL, passed away Saturday, October 18, 2024, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital.

Pat was born March 29, 1945, in Say brook, IL. to Ulla and Alma (Smith) Marshel. She married Marion J. Cisne Sr. on March 30, 1963, in Sims, IL. He preceded her in death on February 2, 2000.

Oct 15, 2024

Clela Marie Mann, 101, passed away at Friendship Village, Tempe Arizona, in the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Clela was born on January 4, 1923 to Chester S. and Zeta G (Gillard) Bower near Golden Gate, Illinois. She grew up on the farm and learned many skills she used all her life.

She married...

Oct 13, 2024

Linda (Lodwig) Chenoweth, 81, of Edwards County, passed from this life to her heavenly home on October 13, 2024 at Reflections Memory Care Residence in Mt. Carmel, IL.

She was born on March 21, 1943 in Edwards County, IL to Leslie (Bud) Lodwig and Thelma (Seals) Lodwig. She graduated from Edwards County High School and attended the...

Oct 13, 2024

Ruth Elaine Williams, 90, of Mt. Erie IL passed away Sunday, October 13, 2024, at her residence.

Ruth was born on May 20, 1934, in Mt. Erie, IL. at home, to Percy B. and Lue C. (Billingsley) Atteberry. She married Jess D. Williams Jr. on January 2, 1954, at Enterprise, IL. He preceded her in death on...

Oct 13, 2024

Scott Edward Freeman, (62), of Troy, IL passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024, after a long medical battle with diabetes.

Scott was born on April 20, 1962, in East St Louis, IL.  He graduated from O’Fallon Township High School in 1980, where he was in the marching band and a three-sport athlete-football, wrestling and baseball. He...

Oct 12, 2024

Angela “Angie” M. Gipson, 46, of St. Louis, MO, formerly of Collinsville, IL, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024, at her home in St. Louis, MO.

She was born on March 31, 1978, in Belleville, IL, to Dwight Eldon and Sharon (nee Herin) Smith, Sr. In 1999 she married the love of her life, Dennis James Gipson,...

Oct 11, 2024

Scott D. Abbott, 60, of Sorento, IL, died, Friday, October 11, 2024, at Evelyn’s House, Creve Coeur, MO, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born November 14, 1963, to J.D. and Ellen (Nee Nance) Abbott, in Poplar Bluff, MO.  On September 10, 1994, he married Jan Svoboda at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Edwardsville, IL.

...

Oct 9, 2024

Joel K. Fernandez, 37, born March 6 th , 1987, in Belleville, IL died October 9, 2024, in Cadet, MO

Joel was a motorcycle enthusiast and an avid outdoorsman finding great joy in both hunting and fishing. Joel’s true passion and life goal was to completely immerse himself in nature and live off the land, which he...

Oct 9, 2024

Darren C. Henke, 59, of Highland, IL, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at HSHS St. Joseph Hospital in Highland, IL, with his family by his side.

He was born on September 17, 1965, in Highland, IL, to Marvin C. and Darryll B. (nee Fertch) Henke.

Darren has lived in Highland for most of...

Oct 7, 2024

Terry William Skaggs, 64, of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024, at his home.

He was born on March 24, 1960, in Hayti, MO, to William Harvey and Lucretia Darline (nee Crum) Skaggs.

Terry was a roofer and an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He enjoyed talking on the phone to his...