Joan E. Reagan
September 20, 1935 – October 4, 2017

Joan E. Reagan, nee Barger, age 82, of O’Fallon, born September 20, 1935, in East St. Louis, passed away Wednesday morning, October 4, 2017 at Aviston Countryside Manor, Aviston, Ill.

Joan grew up in East St. Louis and formerly lived in Fairview Heights. She graduated high school from St. Teresa Academy in East St. Louis and served as president on its Alumnae Association. She was a dedicated member of many organizations including St. Nicholas Church, where she was a member and past board member of Yesterday’s Kids, Past President of St. Clair Woman’s Club, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Nick’s Red Hat Ladies. Joan enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by husband Vernon J. Reagan, who passed away in 1985, parents J.L. and Mary, nee Curry, Barger, brother John P. Barger, and parents-in-law Matt and Dorothy, nee Donahue, Reagan.

Surviving are her children Joseph (Diane) Reagan of Charlotte, N.C., Richard Reagan of Troy, Ill., Vicki Reagan of Aurora, Ill., and Mark Reagan of Breese, Ill. Also surviving are grandchildren Patrick Reagan of St. Louis and Fallon Reagan of Charlotte, N.C.; sister Jeanne (Art) Willenborg of Effingham, Ill.; sister-in-law Charlotte Barger of Belleville; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Memorial donations are requested to St. Nicholas Catholic Church of Hospice of Southern Illinois. Online condolences may be offered at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

The family received friends on Sunday, October, 8, 2017 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 625 St. Nicholas Dr., O’Fallon. The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians conducted a service at 7 pm, Sunday, at the church. Yesterday’s Kids conducted a walk-through at 9:15 am, Monday, at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, October 9, 2017 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church with Msgr. William J. Hitpas presiding. Burial followed at Mount Carmel Cemetery, Belleville.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon

Robert Lee King
June 8, 1933 – October 5, 2017

Robert Lee King, age 84, of Collinsville, Ill., born June 8, 1933 in St. James, Mo., died Thursday, October 5, 2017 at his home.

An avid bowler, Robert and his late wife Darlene, participated in several bowling leagues in Collinsville and throughout the metro-east. Robert started every day with breakfast at The Sandwich Shop on West Main in Collinsville. “Uncle Robert” was much loved and favored by many and was thought of as a second dad by his nieces, nephews, and friends. Robert had worked as an electrician at Granite City Steel (formerly National Steel) and retired after 43 years. He was a good listener and enjoyed fishing at the lake.

Robert was preceded in death by his dear wife Ila “Darlene” King, whom he married March 14, 1952 in Pocahontas, Ark., and who died in 2005; his parents Thomas Franklin King and Hattie Pearl, nee Jones, King; and his siblings Elizabeth Williams, Ruby Davis, Floyd “Bud” King, Tommie Smith, and Louise Jacobs.

Surviving are his daughters Barbara (Rick) Muller of Troy, Ill., Jeanie (Jerry) Wilshire of Collinsville, Ill., grandson Aaron (Sarah) Muller of Troy; and a great-granddaughter, Samara Darlene, due to arrive any day.

Memorial donations will be accepted at the funeral home and are requested to Heartland Hospice, in appreciation for the kindness shown to the King family. Online condolences may be shared at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

The family received friends on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W Washington St., O’Fallon.

The funeral was held on Monday, October 9, 2017 at the funeral home, with Pastor Tim Lewis and Chaplain Mike Garrison officiating. Burial followed at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon

Geraldine Elizabeth Francis
April 27, 1924 – October 2, 2017

Geraldine Elizabeth Francis, nee Smith, 93, of O’Fallon, IL, formerly of Hampton, VA passed away on Monday, October 2nd, 2017 at home with her family by her side.

Geraldine was born on April 27th, 1924 in Hampton, VA. She was a 60 plus year member of Queens Street Baptist Church in Hampton, VA, serving as Vice President of the Star Circle and member of the Senior Choir. Geraldine had a love of life and thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people. When she moved to O’Fallon she joined New Life in Christ Interdenominational Church in Lebanon, IL and became a Church Greeter. She loved spending time at the O’Fallon Township Senior Center where you could always find her socializing and enjoying people. She will be remembered as an outspoken lady with a genuine smile and laughter who had a love for her family, friends, and life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Virginia Smith, nee Jones; husband, Thomas “Big T” E. Francis Sr.; two sisters, Viola Myrtie Blizzard, baby Ellen Smith; five brothers, Samuel “Badie” Smith Jr., James “Shorty” Smith, Harvey “Tank” Smith, John “Ping Pong” Smith, baby Eugene Smith; and son, Thomas “Little T” E. Francis, Jr.

She is survived by three children, Bernard Francis of Riverside, CA, Zachary Francis of Belleville, IL, Deborah (Terry J. Sr.) Houston of O’Fallon, IL; one brother, Douglas “Ditty Wit” (Anne) Smith of Palm Coast, FL; one sister-in-law, Lou Smith of Riverside, CA; five grandchildren, Ronesha (John) Francis McSwain, Kelena Francis, Thomas J. Houston, Terry J. Houston Jr., Tiffany D. Houston; three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members.

Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.

Memorial visitation was held at New Life in Christ Interdenominational Church, on Thursday, October 5th, 2017.  Funeral service was held at Queens Street Baptist Church in Hampton, VA on Saturday, October 7th, 2017. Interment followed at Hampton Memorial Gardens.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.

David “Dave” McCollum
July 4, 1942 – September 29, 2017

Harry David McCollum, “Dave,” age 75, of O’Fallon,  born July 4, 1942 in St. Louis, Mo., died Friday morning, September 29, 2017, at his home, in O’Fallon.

Dave grew up in St. Louis and moved to O’Fallon during high school, graduating from O’Fallon Township High School in 1960. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ann Metzger on June 9, 1961. As a young man, Dave worked with his dad at his grandfather’s business, Atlas Aluminum Welding. He continued to work as a welder and pipefitter for various companies throughout the metro-east, retiring in 2004. Dave was a longtime member of NRA and Caseyville Gun Club. He was an avid shooter and was a shooting and safety instruction for youth. He enjoyed fishing, dancing, and playing pinochle. Dave was a devoted husband, and loved and supported his children and grandchildren very much.

He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Velva, nee Stovall, McCollum, and his brother Donald McCollum.

David is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Ann, nee Metzger, McCollum, of O’Fallon; children Danny (Susan) McCollum of Cumby, Tex., Michael (Josie) McCollum of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Jennifer (Eric) Koskie of Granite City, Ill.; grandchildren Allan, Brian, Keagan, Joseph, and Marin McCollum, Joshua Clark, Kaylee Rutledge, Kyle and Elizabeth Thomas; brothers Thomas (Susan) McCollum of Collinsville, and Kenneth McCollum of Lebanon; sister Pam (Mike) Smith of Friendswood, Tex.

Memorial donations are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association or O’Fallon United Church of Christ. Online condolences may be shared at www.wfh-ofallon.com

The family received friends Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, and will receive friends from 10:00 -10:45 am, Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at O’Fallon United Church of Christ.

Funeral: 11:00 am, Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at O’Fallon United Church of Christ, with Rev. Dr. Martha Thierheimer officiating. Burial will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.

Services entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill.

Karla Anne Deeken
November 20, 1971 – September 26, 2017

Karla Anne Deeken, nee Koszykowski, age 45, of New Athens, born November 20, 1971 in Queens, New York, passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at her home.

As a young child, Karla grew up in Queens, New York. She moved often with her Air Force family, finally settling in the O’Fallon area. She graduated from OTHS in 1990. She had worked as a substitute teacher and teacher’s aide in New Athens, Marissa, Millstadt and surrounding school districts. She loved her two daughters very much.

Surviving are her husband Michael Deeken of New Athens; daughters Gianna Botindari and Madison Deeken; parents Edward and Myra Koszykowski of O’Fallon; brother Stanley L. Koszykowski, sister Mikella M. Koszykowski, and mother-in-law Linda Deeken.

Memorial donations may be made to organizations that were helpful to Karla’s family. Among those are Hospice of Southern Illinois and Camp Kesem at St. Louis University, a group that supports children whose parents are dealing with cancer.

Private services will be held by the family.

Services entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill.

Dennis H. Stroot
April 21, 1928 – September 28, 2017

Dennis H. Stroot, 89, of Belleville, IL, born April 21, 1928, in Trenton, IL, died Thursday, September 28, 2017, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville, IL.

Dennis went to school in St. Louis, graduating from Beaumont High School, where he was a member of the Men of Beaumont Alumni.  He joined the army after graduation and served his country in radio communications.  Mr. Stroot got his HAM and FCC radio license, loving to talk to people all over the world.  He continued working as a radio technician instructor through civil service at Fort Gordon, GA, as well as Scott Air Force Base, IL.  He worked as a calibrations technician for the Nike Missile Sites at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, AL, and the St. Louis area. Later, Mr. Stroot went to work for the FAA out of Lambert International Airport, St, Louis, MO, as a radar technician.  Dennis was a longtime member of both St. Luke and St. Teresa Catholic Church, Belleville, IL and was most recently a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Shiloh, IL.  He was a member of the Cessna Pilot Association, the Scott Air Force Base Aero Club, the Flying Dutchman, and the Knights of Columbus.  Dennis was a commercial/instrument licensed pilot.  He loved to fly his airplane and work on cars.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Mary Elise, nee Minor, Stroot, whom he married June 1, 1949 in Augusta, GA; a son, Michael Stroot; his parents, Theodore and Elizabeth, nee Boeving, Eversgerd; his adopted parents who raised him, Tony and Tillie, nee Schlich, Stroot; four brothers, Robert Eversgerd, Emil “Red” Eversgerd, and Walter (Sally) Eversgerd, and Harold Stroot; a sister, Bernice (Frank) Korte; and his mother and father-in-law, Henry and Lula Mae, nee Miner, Minor.

Surviving are his children, Dave (Mary) Stroot of Belleville, IL, Cheryl (Tim) Green of Edwardsville, IL, Russ (Michele) Stroot of Shiloh, IL, and Dan (Donna) Stroot of St. Peters, MO; 14 grandchildren, Janet (Mike) Strohm, William (Megan) Stroot, Cindy (Charles) Tolbert, Steven (Lindsey) Stroot, Nathan (Cassie) Stroot, Abram (Erin) Stroot, Jacob (Ashleigh) Stroot, Joel (Andrea) Stroot, Emily (Ryan) Anthony, Chris Stroot, Jennifer Stroot, Greg Stroot, Chelsey Stroot, and Jeremy Stroot; 30 great-grandchildren and two more on the way; and nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, to the Alzheimer’s Association, to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, or to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, or the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, October 6, 2017, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2017, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Shiloh, IL.

Funeral:  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2017, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Shiloh, IL, with Msgr. James Margason officiating.

Burial with military honors will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Shiloh, IL.

Arrangements by George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL 

Willford John Russell
May 29, 1994 – September 24, 2017

Willford John Russell, age 23, of Franklin, Tenn., currently a student at University of Tennessee in Knoxville, born May 29, 1994 in Fairfax, Va., passed away Sunday, September 24, 2017 in Knoxville, Tenn.

Although he grew up in his mother’s home in Midlothian, Va. and his father’s home in Franklin, Tenn., Willford’s family had deep roots in the metro-east areas of O’Fallon, Lebanon, and Collinsville, Ill. He spent many summer vacations here with his cousins and extended family. He was in his junior year at University of Tennessee, majoring in Marketing. Will loved being outdoors, discovering and listening to good music, and was a naturally gifted athlete. He devoted his time to physical fitness, and enjoyed playing golf and tennis. Will had friends in many places and from all walks of life. Will was a deep thinker, an insightful and inquisitive son, and always lent a listening ear to his sister.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Walter Clevidence, Norton and Mary Ann Newcomb, Jr., and aunt Janet Schenkel

Surviving are his parents James Robert Russell of Franklin, Tenn., his mother Rebecca Elizabeth (Keith) Williams of Midlothian, Va.; his sister Frances Russell of Washington, D.C.; grandmother Judith Clevidence; grandfather Jack (Sharen) Russell; godparents Aunt Samantha and Uncle Tim Stellhorn; aunts and uncles Julia Feldt, Norton (Kerry) Newcomb, III; John (Barbara) Russell, and Jane (Peter) Erickson.

Memorial donations are suggested to The University of Tennessee Foundation, Haslam College of Administration Department Fund. You may also go to give.UTK.edu and designate funds to the Haslam College of Business, Business Administration Department Fund and designate in memory of Willford Russell.

The family received friends on Friday, September 29, 2017 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home.

The funeral took place on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Lebanon First United Methodist Church, 603 W. St. Louis St., Lebanon, Ill., with Rev. Cari Frus officiating. Burial followed at O’Fallon City Cemetery, O’Fallon, Ill.

Services entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill.

Kevin C. Banker
August 31, 1990 – September 27, 2017

Kevin C. Banker, age 27, of O’Fallon, Ill., beloved son and brother, passed away with grace and dignity on September 27, 2017 at Evelyn’s House Hospice, Creve Coeur, Mo.

Kevin was a 2009 graduate of O’Fallon Township High School, where he took great pride in being part of the Robotics Team and the Math Team, as well as the Scholar Bowl and WYSE teams. He earned a BS in Computer Science from the University of Illinois and was working as a programmer at a small tech start-up company in Champaign. He was looking forward to starting graduate school in the fall of 2014 when he was diagnosed with cancer. While chemo, surgeries, scans and clinical trials were a part of his last 3 years, he was always available to be a friend and mentor to his brother. He was a loving and appreciative son. Kevin never gave up on his dream to return to U of I and pursue his Master’s Degree and was able to make that happen for the 2016-2017 school year.

Kevin is survived by his parents, Jeff and Eileen Banker, his brother, Eric, paternal grandparents, Valary and Albert Banker, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins who will miss him dearly.

We are eternally grateful to all of the medical personnel who made every effort on his behalf. We have also been blessed with wonderful family and friends who have been there for encouragement and support.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the Siteman Development Office. Their free counseling service was a great aid to Kevin and offers help to the patient as well as their families. https://siteman.wustl.edu/contribute/giving/siteman-development-office/

A memorial celebration of his life will be held at The Hilton Garden Inn, 360 Regency Park Drive, O’Fallon, IL, on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. The 8:30 am Sunday Mass at St. Clare Catholic Church on October 15, 2017, will be offered for Kevin.

Services entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill.

Dr. Robert Kern
August 31, 1990 – September 27, 2017

Dr. Robert Gene Kern DMV, 88, of Palm Harbor, FL formerly of O’Fallon, IL, born August 14, 1928 in San Diego, CA, passed away on August 8, 2017 in Tarpon Springs, FL.

Robert was born to Gene and Oleta Kern. In June 1948, Robert married Doris Catherine Hamman. In November 1955 they had a daughter, Kimberlee Kay (Kern) Bauman, and in January 1958 were blessed with the birth of their son, Robert Jeffery Kern. Robert graduated from University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and practiced in O’Fallon, Illinois for many years. He loved animals, especially horses. He served many roles throughout his life including serving in the Army Air Corp, a police commissioner for the O’Fallon Police Department, head of the St. Clair County Animal Control, and track veterinarian at Fairmount and Cahokia Downs race tracks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Oleta Kern, nee Brown; wife, Doris Kern, nee Hamann; and son, Robert Jeffery Kern.

He is survived by his daughter, Kimberlee Bauman of St. Bolivar, MO and granddaughter, Cherrilea Bauman.

Memorials may be made to Victory Tabernacle Ministries at HC 73 Box 231, Mountain Grove, MO, 65711. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.

Graveside services were held at 1:00 pm Friday, September 29, 2017 at O’Fallon City Cemetery with Rev. Mike Atwood and Rev. Karen Atwood officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.

James A. Edwards
March 2, 1926 – September 20, 2017

James Aubrey Edwards, age 91, of O’Fallon, Ill., born March 2, 1926 in Union Springs, Ala., died September 20, 2017 at The Colonnade, O’Fallon, Ill.

Mr. Edwards grew up in Alabama and served in the Army during World War II. As the war was drawing down, while stationed with occupation forces in Europe, he met Marleen Brey of Munich, and they married April 1, 1948 in Oberammergau, Germany. After the war he began his career as an over-the-road truck driver and worked for Roadway Transport for many years, retiring in 1989. Accumulating over 4 million miles accident-free, he was honored as the Mississippi Truck Driver of the Year in 1985, and earned numerous other safety recognitions. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his granddaughters, traveling the states, and visiting at the annual Edwards family reunion.

He was preceded in death by his parents Luther and Addie Lee, nee Metcalf, Edwards, and brother John Edwards.

Surviving are his wife Marleen, nee Brey, Edwards; his children Joe (Maureen) Edwards of O’Fallon, and Suzanne (Stan) Broadway of Wedowee, Ala.; grandchildren Amanda (Dr. Chad) Harris, Lauren (USMC Maj. Joe) Barker, Lindsey Broadway, and Kristen (Junior) Lingerfelt; and great-grandchildren Aubrey, Everly, Colby, Caleb, and one on the way. Also surviving are brother Cecil (Frances) Edwards and sister-in-law Elizabeth Edwards.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Nicholas Church, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or Heartland Hospice. Condolences may be offered at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 10:00 – 11:15 a.m., Monday, September 25, 2017, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, O’Fallon, Ill.

Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at  11:30 a.m., Monday, September 25, 2017 at the church, with Msgr. William Hitpas presiding, followed by a luncheon. Burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.

Services entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill. 

Michael A. Mosley
November 8, 1974 – September 18, 2017

Major Michael A. Mosley, USAF, age 42, born November 8, 1974 in Ojai, Calif., died Monday, September 18, 2017.

Mike grew up in Ojai, and graduated from Nordhoff High School. He attended the Air Force Academy, graduating eighth in the Class of 1998, and was awarded the prestigious Bradley Scholarship to Harvard. He earned his graduate degree in Public Policy from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Mike attended pilot training at Laughlin AFB, Texas. He was a Command Pilot with over 3,800 flight hours in the KC-10, C-12, and T-37 and flew at Travis AFB, McGuire AFB, and was deployed 11 times in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2009, Major Mosley was assigned to Scott AFB, AMC, where he served as Chief, Special Operations Aerial Refueling Branch, 618th Air Operations Center (TACC). He was the recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and three Meritorious Service Medal and had earned seven Air Medals for his performance in combat. Additionally, Mike was the 618th AOC recipient of the Colonel James Jabara Airmaship Award. Mike’s career was characterized by consistent leadership and excellence indicative of his meticulous nature.

A black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Mike possessed a wicked sense of humor, had a brilliant mind, and maintained high integrity.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather Lee Gordanier, and his grandparents Celia and Samuel Sperling.

Surviving are his wife Joanna, nee Bronson, Mosley; his mother Marilyn Mosley Gordanier; his brother Raphel Mosley, sister Ramaa Mosley; grandmother Wilma Mosley, and aunt and uncle Barbara and Lee Sperling.

Memorial donations may be made to The Soldiers Project (www.thesoldiersproject.org) and will be accepted at the funeral home. Condolences may be offered at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 8:00 pm, Saturday, September 23, 2017, at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O’Fallon, Ill.

Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard will render honors at 5:30 pm, Saturday, at the funeral home.

Services entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill.

Thomas M. Martin
August 28th, 1954 – September 21, 2017

Thomas M. Martin, 63, of O’Fallon, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, September 21st, 2017 in Maryville, Illinois.

Thomas was born on August 28th, 1954 at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. He graduated from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville with his Master’s Degree. He taught at Columbia Unit 4 from 1978 to 2011 and served as union president for many years. Thomas had a special place in his heart for St. Louis sports, especially for the St. Louis baseball Cardinals and the St. Louis hockey Blues. His favorite holiday was Christmas, where he enjoyed making special memories with his family. In his spare time, you could find him collecting trains or enjoying a good book.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William F. and Gladys Martin, nee Washer.

Thomas is survived by two brothers and one sister, Roger (Julia) Carney of Rowlett, TX, Roy (Mary) Carney of O’Fallon, IL, Patricia (Larry) Bryant of Shiloh, IL; nieces and nephews, Trisha Carney, Ron “Bubba” Carney, James (Selma) Carney, Jason (Lisa) Carney, Melanie Hall, Timothy “Tim” Bryant, Kayla (Jack) Franklin; uncle, Dale (LaWanda) Hunter of Dallas, TX, uncle and best friend, Les McQuinn of Hobe Sound, FL; great nieces, nephews; and many cousins.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association at donations.diabetes.org. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.

Visitation will be held at Schildknecht Funeral Home 301 South Lincoln Avenue O’Fallon, Illinois 62269 on Monday, September 25th, 2017 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Funeral Service will be at Schildknecht Funeral Home 301 South Lincoln Avenue O’Fallon, Illinois 62269 on Tuesday, September 26th, 2017 at 11:00 am with Rev. Christy Eckert officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.

Dolores Jean Schmidt
September 7, 1930 – September 19, 2017

Dolores Jean Schmidt, age 87, of Breese, formerly of O’Fallon, born September 7, 1930 in Caseyville, Ill., passed away Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at Breese Nursing Home, Breese, Ill.

Jean grew up in Fairview Heights, Ill., and attended Pontiac School. She worked at Wood Bakery in O’Fallon for over 25 years. She enjoyed dancing, riding motorcycles, and meeting with her former Pontiac classmates on a monthly basis. Jean was a tremendous cook and enjoyed baking, and she loved animals of all kinds. She was a former member of VFW Auxiliary and Order of the Eastern Star in O’Fallon.

She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Schmidt, whom she married January 9, 1949 in O’Fallon, and who died November 27, 2006; her parents Omer and Florence, nee Bergman, Higgins; her brother James Higgins; her daughter-in-law Marilyn Schmidt; and her granddaughter Lynne Marie Schmidt.

Surviving are her son Steven Schmidt of Breese, sisters-in-law Dorothy Beckman, Evelyn Higgins and Patricia Schmidt, step-brother Ralph (Dixie) Keck, and other loving extended family members, to include nieces, nephews, and in-laws.

Memorial donations may be made to the St. Louis Children’s Hospital or Spencer Pet Rescue and will be accepted at the funeral home. Condolences may be offered at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, September 24, 2017 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home.

Funeral: Memorial service 1 p.m., Sunday, September 24, 2017 at the funeral home with Rev. Donald C. Wagner, officiating. Burial will follow at O’Fallon City Cemetery.

Services entrusted to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, Ill. 

James Patterson
March 17, 1927 – September 20, 2017

James W. “Mac” Patterson, age 90, of O’Fallon, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2017 at Memorial Hospital East in Shiloh, Ill.

He was born, March 17, 1927, to George H. Patterson and Robertha E. Patterson, at home in Dixon, Mo.

He graduated from Dixon High School in 1943 and soon enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served in World War II.

He faithfully served the Lord as Deacon at First Baptist Church O’Fallon for many years, and was an active member of the Shriners. His passions included carpentry, bluegrass, and diesel engines.

In 1950, he married Ruby “Lee” Patterson, and together they had six children. She preceded him in death on December 11, 2002. He was also preceded in death by his infant son Timothy Lee Patterson in 1957 and daughter Pamela Kloepping, who passed away January 19, 2017.

Surviving are his children  Daniel Patterson of Breese, Ill.; Russell (Debbie) Patterson of Kremmling, Colo.; Teresa (Marty) Ledington of O’Fallon, Ill., and Deanna Patterson of O’Fallon, Ill., and son-in-law Mike Kloepping.

Also surviving are his grandchildren that he was so proud of,  Dawn (John) Armstrong of Chatham, Ill.; Kelly Monroe of Freeburg, Ill.; Sarah Smith of Edwardsville, Ill.; Alexis Hardy of Edwardsville, Ill.; Jack Hardy of O’Fallon, Ill.; Danielle Patterson of Kremmling, Colo.; Isabella Patterson of Summerfield, Ill.; Kris (Jay) Kohlmiller of Edwardsville, Ill.; Lauren (Adam) Heimbeucher of Shiloh, Ill and Joshua Ledington of Sembach, Germany; and nine great-grandchildren.

Mac was the recipient of a liver transplant in 1993, and lived years beyond his projected prognosis; therefore, in lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to either Mid-America Transplant Services or the American Liver Foundation.

Visitation: The family will receive friends from 4:00 – 8:00 pm, Friday, September 22, 2017 at First Baptist Church, O’Fallon, and from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the church.

Funeral: 1:00 pm, Saturday, September 23, 2017 at First Baptist Church, O’Fallon. Graveside service with military honors will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.

Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon.