obituaries

Aug 1, 2023

Norman Lee Eickemyer, age 78 of Caseyville, IL, passed away on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at Alton Memorial Hospital.

He was born May 16, 1945 in East St. Louis, IL to the late Charles Victor and Mildred M. (nee Mead) Eickemyer.   He was a retired bus driver and previously worked as a railroad worker.  Norman was a...

Jul 30, 2023

Alva Mae Barbarotto, age 88 of Maryville, IL, born July 22, 1935 in Edwardsville, IL, passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at her residence surrounded by her family.

Alva was a retired bookkeeper having worked for the Edwardsville Intelligencer, Jaffe Lighting for 32 years, and the IRS for 10 years.  She had served as President for...

Jul 24, 2023

Larry L. W. Wallace, age 79, of Collinsville, IL, born January 21, 1944 in Harrisburg, IL, passed away on Monday, July 24, 2023, at Christian Northeast Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Larry retired after 37 years as a bottler with Coca-Cola Bottling in St. Louis. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He enjoyed...

Jul 23, 2023

Marion William Kozak, age 96, of Maryville, IL, born November 18, 1926 in Granite City, IL, passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.

Marion was a retired electrician after 42 years of service at Granite City Steel, He was a World War II Navy veteran and a member of Mother of...

Jul 22, 2023

Gloria J. Rowe, age 68, of Collinsville, IL, born June 24, 1955 in Big Spring, TX, passed away on July 22, 2023 at River Crossing of Edwardsville, IL.

Gloria was a retired radiologist for Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. She was a member of St. John United Church of Christ in Collinsville, IL. She was gifted with...

Jul 17, 2023

Gerald J. Froess, an 87-year-old resident of Collinsville, IL, peacefully passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, with his daughter Patricia by his side, holding his hand.

Gerald, affectionately known as Jerry, Jer, Jer Bear, Hon, Grandpa, Crappa and Dad, was born on August 2, 1935, in Erie, PA. On December 18, 1954, he married the love...

Jul 17, 2023

Craig M. Wright, Sr., age 62 of Collinsville, IL, born August 11, 1960 in East St. Louis, IL, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.

Craig retired from Barnes-Jewish Hospital where he worked as an electrician for 32 years.  He enjoyed rock n roll music, especially Elvis, and going to rock concerts.  ...

Jul 14, 2023

John LeRoy Bitzer, beloved husband, father, and grandfather ("gee-pa") passed away at the age of 70 on July 14, 2023, at his home in Collinsville, Illinois.

A native of Shelbyville, Illinois, John grew up as one of six siblings.  He graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1970 where he excelled in academics, sports, and holds an Illinois...

Jul 13, 2023

Dorothy "Dot" Alice Eversmann, age 98 of Collinsville, IL, peacefully passed away on Thursday, July 13, 2023 at Addington Place in Collinsville surrounded by her family.

Dot was born April 12, 1925 in Troy, IL to the late Wilbur and Alice (nee Kueker) Kurtz.  She married Henry "Hank" L. Eversmann on July 11, 1945 and enjoyed 64...

Jul 9, 2023

Michael Joseph Griffin, age 69 of Granite City, IL, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at Christian Hospital Northeast in St. Louis, MO.

He was born November 9, 1953 in East St. Louis, IL to the late William and Margaret (nee Spink) Griffin.   He worked as a driver for a professional transportation company and for many...

Jul 8, 2023

Matthew Bartley Butler, age 50, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at St. Louis University Hospital.

He was born February 3, 1973, in Centreville, IL to the late Nanci C. Butler.  Matthew attained his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of San Diego School of Law. He was admitted to practice in California, the United States...

Jul 3, 2023

Patricia Rae "Pat" Walker (nee Killinger), age 90, passed away peacefully in her home on July 3, 2023.

Beloved wife of Joseph Donald "Don" Walker, of Caseyville, Pat grew up in Collinsville, graduating Collinsville High School in 1950.  Upon graduation, Pat earned a degree from Miss Hickey's School for Secretaries in St. Louis, MO.  Pat's varied work...

Jul 3, 2023

Robert C. Watt, Sr., age 91, passed away peacefully in his home on July 3, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Born on July 28, 1931, Robert was the oldest child of Donald William Watt and Ruth Pearl Patek.  He was a lifelong resident of Collinsville, attending Jefferson School, Webster School, and Collinsville Township High School where he...

Jul 2, 2023

Melvin John Heien, Jr., age 74 of Highland, IL, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2023 at his residence.

Melvin was born on February 21, 1949 in Highland, IL to the late Melvin John Sr. and Marie (nee Snodgrass) Heien.  He honorably served in the United States Army, and was a retired physical education teacher.  He enjoyed...

Jul 1, 2023

Dewey Nelson Cates, at 90 of Maryville, IL, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville.

He was born November 15, 1932 in Cuba Landing, TN to the late Glennie and Alice (nee Little) Cates.  He graduated from McEwen High School then attended the VA Electronics Institute for Electronic Engineering.  He honorably served...

Jun 30, 2023

Charles M. Clark, age 67, of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023 at his residence.

He was born March 30, 1956 in Bethesda, MD to the late William and Ruth (nee Nauyok) Clark. He proudly served in the United States Navy and was a WWII enthusiast.  He retired from Cerro Copper after 20+ years...

Jun 30, 2023

Terry W. Falline, 78, of Maryville, passed away Friday, June 30, 2023, at Christian Hospital in St. Louis. Known for his incredible creative design prowess, the longtime Collinsville resident touched the lives of innumerable people by freely sharing his talents with his family, his church and his community.

Terry was born in East St. Louis and grew...

Jun 29, 2023

Christy L. Smith (nee Ruby), age 70 of Collinsville, born July 1, 1952, in West Plains, MO, passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at her residence with her family by her side.

Christy was a graduate of Granite City High School. She worked in insurance most of her adult life. Christy enjoyed reading, crafts, and making...

Jun 26, 2023

Kathy D. Blackford, age 73 of Maryville, IL, born May 26, 1950 in Highland, IL, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2023.

Kathy retired from SIUE as an administrative assistant.  She was an avid crafter and decorator.  She loved dogs, spending time with her brother, Rick, and her friend, Shirley.  Her favorite time was with her grandkids,...

Jun 26, 2023

Irene A. Krakowiecki, age 91 of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2023 surrounded by her family.

She was born January 8, 1932 in Kansas City, KS. She married Frank Krakowiecki on June 22, 1957 and he preceded her in death.

Irene worked at Kruta Bakery in Collinsville for many years. She was...