Ronnie Lee Lattimore of Edwardsville passed away December 13, 2020 at the age of 81 after a hard-fought battle with Covid-19.
Ronnie retired from his career at Amoco in Wood River and was enjoying retirement with his wife of 63 years. He loved making wood carvings, eating breakfast at Denny’s with his friends, and also stayed an active member of Troy/Collinsville Church of Christ.
Tragically for his family, Ronnie’s little brother James passed 8 days later (cause of death not available).
Claudene Goldie Simpson Chunn of rural Evansville IL died after a three day battle with COVID-19 at St. Louis University Hospital on January 16, 2021. She was 91 years old. She married the (late) love of her life when he got back from serving in France in WWII and they raised six children.
Lawrence “Larry” Pranger, of Jerseyville IL, passed away on December 29, 2020 at Jersey Community Hospital from complications related to COVID-19 at the age of 82.
Larry attended Illinois State University and was drafted to serve in the Army during the Vietnam War. He married the love of his life while on leave the day after Christmas in 1961. Larry worked for Shell Oil Company in Jerseyville as he and his wife Mary Ann raised their four kids. He was a gifted coach and regularly led youth teams at St. Francis Xavier School to championships in track, baseball, football, and basketball. He and his late wife also took very active roles in raising their grandkids and helping out in their parish, attending mass every Saturday night.
Lawrence Pranger is missed deeply by his kids, grandkids, extended family, friends and all who knew him.
Donna Schroen Naylor of Bethalto Illinois died of COVID-19 on December 11, 2020 at the age of 70. She caught the novel coronavirus in November and passed soon after.
Donna was a retired teacher, having touched countless young lives for 33 years in Cottage Hills and Bethalto East. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in education from Southern Illinois University, and was continually enriching her mind by reading books and learning. Donna never had her own children, and poured her love into her school kids, fur babies, and volunteer work. She and her late husband shared a passion for therapy dogs, which they’d take to local nursing homes. Long before COVID-19 hit, Donna knew the importance of making sure that families don’t go hungry; you could find her every Thursday at The House of Victory Food Pantry ministering, praying with, and giving groceries to those in need. She continued this volunteer work through the pandemic, until becoming sick herself from COVID. Donna is remembered as being one of the most cheerful people that anyone could possibly meet. “You could count on her to laugh at your feeblest joke and enthusiastically cheer your slightest success.”
Donna Schroen Naylor is missed deeply by her brother, small extended family, church family, huge circle of friends and acquaintances, and the countless people whose lives she touched.
Sharon Kay Wylder (nee Lobstein) of Carlyle Illinois died from complications of COVID-19 on December 29, 2020 at the age of 78.
Sharon grew up in East St. Louis, Illinois attended St. Teresa’s Academy and graduated from St. John’s School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse. As a nurse, she cared for everyone from nursing home residents to newborns. Sharon raised her five kids with her late husband, and loved it when she was able to retire and spend more time with her grand kids.
Sharon Wylder is missed deeply by her sister and three brothers, five adult kids, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and circle of friends.
Talmage Dwain Hillman of Godfrey IL died of COVID-19 on December 16, 2020 at the age of 75. His final message before he died was “wear a mask, the life you save may not be your own.”
Tal spent his life helping people live better lives through his work with the developmentally disabled at Bellefontaine Habilitation Center. He’s remembered for the way he lifted everyone up, helping employees he managed to reach their potential as they helped the residents they worked with. After retiring in 2013, Tal stayed in touch with his old coworkers, finally had time to golf more, and loved live shows and Cardinals games. Lately he had started to forget things and moved into an assisted living facility, but he “remembered two current things: Covid & he hated Trump.” Tal was still madly in love with his wife of 54 years and they were able to Facetime together before he passed.
Talmage Hillman is missed deeply by his wife, two daughters, son, grandchildren, extended family, huge circle of friends, and the many lives he touched through his long career of helping people with developmental disabilities live their best lives.
Patricia Ann Retter, of Jerseyville, Illinois, lost her battle with COVID-19 on December 10, 2020 at the age of 86 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in St. Louis.
Patricia was the beloved wife of Reverend Edwin Retter and together they raised two daughters while serving in the Nazarene ministry. She liked collecting snowmen, doing crossword puzzles, crocheting, and helping out friends. Patricia was the family matriarch and always quick with a kind word and listening ear.
Patricia Retter is missed every moment by her husband and soulmate of 67 years. She’s also grieved by her surviving daughter, grandkids, church family, and all those whose lives brightened by her presence.
PS: Her family was trying to collect cards to send to her grieving husband, see the Facebook link below.
Kenneth D. Bjelland of Alton, IL died after a lengthy battle with COVID-19 on December 10, 2020 at the age of 74.
Ken captained a sailboat named The Midnight Sun and was a regular fixture at Lithia Springs Marina in Shelbyville. His favorite things were sailing, seafood, and anything to do with water and travel. He retired as DeWitt County Farm Bureau manager in 2016 after 35 years and moved from Maroa IL to Alton to be with his wife.
Ken will be remembered for his dry wit, adventurous palate, and love of life. He is missed deeply by his wife, two daughters, a grandson, and by his extended family and many friends in the Midwest and in Norway.
Jimmie Allen Palmer of Collinsville, IL died December 16, 2020 at Mercy Hospital from COVID-19 related complications at the age of 79.
Jimmie was a retired carpenter millwright, enjoying retirement with his wife of 62 years. He loved nothing more than a good bargain, and was a daily visitor to Pawn King in Collinsville. Jimmie was also passionate about classic cars (especially his blue Challenger), playing golf, spending time with his family, and laughing. He coached his four kids’ baseball and sports and had a blast being a father, and even more fun being a granddad and great granddad.
Jimmie Palmer is missed deeply by his wife, kids, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, friends, and by his dog Gracie.
Diane Bode Dinges Neukam died of COVID-19 on December 12, 2020 at Belleville Memorial Hospital at the age of 70, with her children at her side.
Diane had three children with her first husband and loved being a mom and then a grandma. She co-founded Kid’s Kloset before becoming a medical transcriptionist for Belleville Memorial Hospital and eventually retiring from Oncology Care Center in Swansea. Diane loved to travel anywhere there was a beach and sun – to a lake resort or Caribbean! She also loved shopping, dining out with good friends, seeing live music, and gardening. People, laughter, and love mattered most to her and Diane was the type who never knew a stranger, making many lifelong friends from chance encounters.
Diane is missed deeply by her children and grandchildren, her extended family, inlaws on her first husband and (late) second husbands’ sides, and all her many friends.
Mark Wilhold of Fairmont City, IL died of COVID-19 in a hospital on December 3, 2020 at the age of 59.
Mark worked for Kiesel fuel, & Consolidated Ice & Fuel most of his life. He had a son and a daughter with his ex-wife, and a grandson who he loved very much. Mark was close with his family and circle of good friends, and would do anything for a friend.
Mark Wilhold is missed deeply by his adult children, grandson, parents, brother, sister, extended family and friends.
Kim Jennings, a high school physical education teacher in East St. Louis IL (district 189) died of COVID-19 on April 16, 2020.
Less than a year before her untimely death from coronavirus, Kim had helped the Flyerettes of East St. Louis win the Illinois Class 2A state championship (in May 2019), their first state championship since 2011. She worked as a physical education teacher and a track and field coach for many years.
Kim Jennings touched countless lives as a teacher and coach. She undoubtedly imparted values and ideals of teamwork, facing adversity, and practicing to reach top performance to thousands of children during her time as a teacher. She was vivacious and was looking forward to more years working in her vocation.
“When I would bring my Granddaughter, Jaleah out to practice, I’m looking to see the man, Coach Fennoy. Jaleah would say to me, PaPa, we don’t need the man, there’s Coach Jennings. Coach Jennings did so much for the kids. She also taught me to stay out of the way. COACH will be missed. We all loved you.”
LS Larry T Hampton Sr Posted Apr 30, 2020 at 04:36pm to Kim Jennings’ obituary
Kim Jennings is missed deeply by her family, friends, and the thousands of lives she touched over her many years as a teacher.
Sources:
Special thanks to @LostToCovid – School Personnel Lost to Covid for drawing my attention to this St. Louis Metro area COVID-19 death
Kim Jennings – age unknown. Died April 16. Phy. Ed. teacher and track and field coach, East St Louis HS, IL. Helped team win 2019 state championship. Death by Covid and employment confirmed with her union. Employment also confirmed with school directory. https://t.co/wpB2DTomE9pic.twitter.com/2u83mCvzjo
Frank Frederick Graser of Bethalto IL died of COVID-19 on December 9, 2020 at the age of 90.
Frank served in the US Navy from 1947 to 1951. When he got discharged he married (his beloved wife passed in 2002), raised his two sons, and worked for McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) starting as an A&P Mechanic for 30 years. Frank had a huge variety of interests and was involved in many activities, causes, and organizations throughout his life. He coached Little League Baseball, was a Scout Master, a member of the Bunker Hill Knife Club, Mississippi Garden Club, the Illinois Chapter of the National Audubon Society, and a regular volunteer at the Two Rivers Wildlife Refuge. He was also an active member in the Bethalto United Methodist Church and in retirement enjoyed Monday morning coffee with his “knife brothers”. Frank was proud of his boys and loved being a grandpa.
Frank Frederick Graser is missed deeply by his two sons, his grandkids, ten great-grandchildren, and a huge extended family and many friends.
Francis Ethel Westfall Crumley of Jerseyville IL died of COVID-19 on November 27, 2020 at the age of 87. She was ill for a little less than three weeks, and it looked like she would pull through and get off the ventilator for a little while, but ultimately her body could not fight off the virus.
Francis was married twice, widowed twice and lost two children; despite heartaches, her life was full and she found beauty and love in the everyday and small things. She always made time to comfort, listen to, and care for others. In her younger years, Francis worked as a packer for Olin Corporation in Alton IL, canned her garden’s vegetables, cooked mouthwatering dinners, and loved to dance.
Francis is missed deeply by her two daughters, 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandkids, and all those who were blessed to know her.
Leroy Huskamp of Fairmont City IL died of COVID-19 on November 22 at Granite City Nursing and Rehabilitation at the age of 84.
Leroy is remembered for being a congenial conversationalist who never met a stranger and who could make anyone smile. He loved to go fishing and to spend time with his family.
Leroy Huskamp is missed by his wife, adult children, grandkids, and extended family.
Michael Madison of Freeburg IL died of COVID-19 complications at the age of 68 on November 16, 2020. His wife Connie got to go into his room, hold his hand, and say goodbye to him at Belleville Memorial Hospital, as her mother continues to fight coronavirus (but as of this writing is still alive).
Michael was enjoying retirement with his adoring wife of 8 years, and finally getting to take a break from working so hard his whole life. He served in the US Military and his faith was important to his personal strength and life.
Michael Madison is missed deeply by his wife, his son, grandchildren, extended family and circle of friends.
Barbara Ann Molloy died after a brief battle with COVID-19 on November 10, 2020 at OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center in Alton IL at the age of 80.
Barbara worked for many years as a nursing home administrator and was known as a cheerful caring person with an infectious laugh who never met a stranger. She loved telling a good story and bringing a smile to peoples’ faces. Together with her late husband, Barbara raised their four children.
Barbara Molloy is missed deeply by two daughters, two granddaughters, extended family, former work friends, and everyone whose life she made a little better.
In Barb’s honor, her family urges continued social distancing and mask compliance.
Greunetta (G.G) Groce passed of COVID-19 on May 1, 2020 at the age of 78 in a nursing home. She was a retired CNA and interior decorator.
Her son wrote: “She was born April 26, 1942 to Bernice Randle Pow and George Wilson Groce Sr. In East St. Louis Ill. She was a small business owner, a nurse, and interior decorator. She was loved by many. She is survived by one son and one daughter and one granddaughter and a host a family and friends.”
G.G. is deeply missed by her family, friends, and those who knew her.
Catherine M. Kutterer died of COVID-19 on September 26, 2020 at Red Bud Hospital in Red Bud IL. She was 88 years old. Catherine was a resident of Oak Hill nursing home in Waterloo IL when she contracted the coronavirus.
Catherine was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Waterloo, IL. and raised two daughters and a son with her late husband. She was employed in the cafeteria at Immaculate Conception Grade School.
Catherine had lived at the assisted care facility for 9 years, getting visited and taken on outings regularly with her family and friends. Once the nursing home locked down in March, her family was unable to visit. Catherine tested positive for COVID-19 on September 18th, and was initially asymptomatic. By the 21st her blood oxygen levels had tanked and she was admitted to Red Bud Hospital where she died surrounded by strangers.
Catherine is missed deeply by her adult children, grandchildren, extended family, and all her friends and the staff at Oak Hill. Her family’s posts on Facebook and interview on KMOX emphasize that COVID-19 is real, and that each number represents a person who had a family who loved them.
Dr. Edward P. Rose died of COVID-19 on September 20, 2020 at the age of 74. He was a practicing rheumatologist in Belleville IL until contracting coronavirus, refusing to abandon his patients even though retirement was suggested in March.
A polio survivor, Ed devoted his life to his family, science, and service. He attended Washington University Medical School and completed his residency at Barnes, cumulating with completing a fellowship at Royal Victoria Hospital/McGill University in Montreal in 1976. He served his community for 45 years as a board-certified rheumatologist and internist, as president of the Medical Society of St. Clair County, a chess club coach, and as an appointed member of the Illinois State Medical Licensing Board for nearly 20 years.
Ed is remembered as being quiet and unwaveringly stable, although he loved a noisy home with children running around playing. He loved hosting raucous dinner parties with plenty of wine and comfort food, passionate disagreements, laughter, and story-telling. Ed taught his kids to play chess, water ski, follow through on commitments and the values of philanthropy, travel, and enjoying simple pleasures.
Dr. Edward P. Rose is deeply missed by his wife of 47 years, 7 kids, 20 grandchildren, extended family, the many friends he made in life, and his patients.
William Edward “Ed” Gorman died from complications of COVID-19 on September 10, 2020 at the age of 91. He caught the virus while he was resident at White Hall Nursing and Rehab Center in White Hall, Illinois.
Ed served with the US Army in the Korean War and afterwards worked as a plumber for the University of Delaware for 26 years. He and his wife moved to Brighton Illinois in 2011 to be closer to family. They had just celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary when COVID-19 took his life.
William Edward Gorman is missed deeply by his wife, numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
Recent Comments: