Obituaries

Nov 25, 2024

Walter “Joe” Gillespie, Jr., also known as “Spider,” to his close friends, 80, of Highland, IL, passed away on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Memorial Hospital in Shiloh, IL.

He was born on December 5, 1943, in Highland, IL, to Walter Joseph and Vivian (nee Kantner) Gillespie, Sr. On May 10, 1963, Joe married Tronda Hinze at...

Nov 21, 2024

Margaret A. Williams, 89, of O’Fallon, MO, formerly of Ramsey, IL, passed away on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Delmar Gardens of O’Fallon nursing home.

She was born on August 26, 1935, in Marion, IL, to George and Mary (nee Spranghart) Pritchett. On August 15, 1953, she married the love of her life, Virgil E. Williams,...

Nov 16, 2024

Frankie Pearl Kortge, 83, of West Salem, IL passed away on November 16, 2024 at home with her family at her side.

She is survived by her husband Michael Kortge; daughter Gina Prullage and son Aaron Fewkes; granddaughters Kandras Kunkel and Charissa Penrod and grandson Nicholas Fewkes. Also surviving are Great grandchildren Madison Kunkel, Brooklynne Kunkel, Brayden...

Nov 16, 2024

Ben Wolf, 41, of Olney, IL passed away in his sleep on November 16, 2024.

He was born on September 28, 1983 to Rick Wolf and Evelyn Reid. He enjoyed his job as a CNA for 10 years. He had a big heart for friends, family and dogs. He had a laugh that was very contagious.

Nov 16, 2024

Shirley J. Hulvey, 78, of Highland, IL, passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at her home, in Highland, IL.

She was born on July 12, 1946, in Newkirk, OK, to Lowell and Lela (nee King) Foreman.  She graduated in 1964 from Wichita West High School in Wichita, KS. On June 17, 1966, she married Michael K....

Nov 11, 2024

Kenneth Wayne Bryant, 83, of Collinsville, IL, passed away Monday, November 11, 2024, peacefully at his home with his wife at his side.

He was born on September 7, 1941, in St. Louis, MO, to Dorman and Lavita (nee Lunn) Bryant. In 1987, he married the love of his life, Paula Adams, in Granite City, IL.

Nov 10, 2024

Geraldine “Gerry” F. Augustine, 89, of Highland, IL, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2024, peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on July 6, 1935, in East St. Louis, IL, to Harry and Ethel (nee Schmitz) Schmieg. On September 4, 1954, she married Danny R. Augustine, Sr. and together they had six children.

Nov 8, 2024

Deanna Louise Baker, 75, of Robinson, IL passed away on November 8, 2024 at Oakview Heights Nursing Home in Mt. Carmel, IL.

She was born on December 5, 1948 in Princeton, IN to Bernard F. Dorney and Anna M. (Osmon) Dorney.

Deanna enjoyed watching TV, crafting, and travelling, and also enjoyed crocheting in her younger...

Nov 8, 2024

Wanda Faye Grotefendt, 84, of Highland, IL, passed away peacefully Friday, November 8, 2024, at Anderson Hospital, in Maryville, IL.

She was born on November 2, 1940, to Roland W. and Anna “Ann” L. (nee Schmidt) Schmidt.  She grew up in St. Jacob and graduated from St. Jacob (Triad) High School in 1958. She married the love...

Nov 6, 2024

Daniel J. Korte, 81 of Highland, IL, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at St. Joseph Hospital in Highland, IL.

He was born on July 23, 1943, in Highland, IL, to Anton and Minnie (nee Goestenkors) Korte.  On September 27, 1969, he married Elizabeth “Bunny” Hoffmann at St Paul Church, Highland, IL.

Daniel was...

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...