OBITUARIES
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Stanley Geilser Stanley Francis Geisler, age 55, passed away at 2:37 p.m., Thursday, October 3, 2019 at his home in Jerseyville. He was born on July 31, 1964 in Jerseyville to the late Fred and Anna (Page) Geisler. He was raised in Calhoun County, where he and his siblings rode horses, played in the creeks and thoroughly enjoyed family life on the farm. Stan served with the U.S. Marines and spent the majority of his years working for the barge system. Throughout his life he displayed a love of the outdoors and strong work ethic. He married Jane Shain and together throughout their 9 years of marriage they were blessed with two daughters, Jessica and Jamie. He later married Ronda Hambrick on May 20, 2014. Stan was a very kind and generous soul, whose faith many have been quiet, but he knew and loved Jesus. Stan loved to have fun and created many lasting friendships throughout the years. He will deeply missed by his family and friends. Surviving are his wife, Ronda Hambrick of Green-
ville; two daughters, Jessica Shain and Jamie Shain, both of Jerseyville; four grandchildren, Anna, Andrew, Trentin and Kailey; his siblings and their spouses, Tom and Shirley Burch of St. Johns, AZ; JoAnn and Bill Beiermann of Jerseyville; Fred and Georgia Geisler of Eldred; Steve and Dorothy Geisler of Carrollton; Beth and Marty Crane of Carrollton. A private graveside ceremony will be held at a later date at the Oak Grove Cemetery, in love and honor of Stan. Memorials may be given to further the education of his daughters, Jamie and Jessica, in care of the funeral home. Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville is in charge of arrangements.
Geraldine Krause
Geraldine Marie Krause, 97, died at 8:04 p.m., Sunday, October 6, 2019 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. She was born just north of Hardin, Illinois on April 24, 1922, the oldest of eleven children born to Paul Frederick and Theresa Agnes (Becker) Godar. As the oldest of her siblings, she learned early on the traits of responsibility, as well as a caring heart. She has spent her entire life caring for others, nurturing and loving, not only to her siblings when they were youngsters, but also as a caregiver in the health care field, where she worked at numerous nursing homes in the area. During her career, she most of her time at Greenlawn Nursing Home in Jerseyville and Reisch Memorial Nursing Home in Carrollton. As a devoted farmers wife and mother, she spent many hours on the farm assisting wherever necessary, and especially enjoyed the tranquility of her flower gardens. She married Arthur Krause on June 25, 1941 in Calhoun County, and together they raised their three children on their farm in English Township, and spent 51 years together prior to his death on August 7, 1992. She is survived by her two daughters and a son inlaw, Dorothy “Dottie� and Kent White of Jerseyville, and Ruth Rodgers of Kane; a daughter in-law, Barbara Krause of Carrollton; five grandchildren and their spouses, Mike and Julie White of Godfrey, Tammy Harmon of Kane, Michelle Raymond of Jerseyville, Allison and Nathan Howard
of Alton, and Will and Elizabeth Krause of Edwardsville; 13 Great Grandchildren; and two sisters and a brother in-law, Donna Droege of St. Charles, Mo., and Melba and Steve Tepen of Hardin. Although she was blesses with a long and happy life, she also endured tragedy during her life, as she lost her Darrell Krause on July 11, 1997 and a granddaughter, Audrey Rodgers on Nov. 22, 2016 both in tragic automobile accidents; a great granddaughter, Emma Schildroth; five brothers, Alfred, Cecil Frances, Romeo Joseph, Patrick Joseph, and Manuel Godar; and three sisters, Elaine Turner, Rosalie Beiermann and Alice Baalman. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where a prayer service will be read at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Jerseyville, with Father Hyland Smith officiating. Burial will take place in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic Schools in Jerseyville or to Masses.
Jeffery Knifffen
Jeffery Allen Kniffen, 62, passed away at his home on Thursday, October 3, 2019. Jeff was born on April 2,1957 in Buck Co, PA to Samuel Kee and Jane Elizabeth (Wyman) Kniffen. Jeff served his country in the United States Army and was later a member of the Veterans Association. He was also a member at the Eagles lodge and loved to volunteer at the Christian Co-op and local churches. Jeff is survived by his children: Elizabeth (Bethannie) Loyd of Lima, OH, Courtney Loyd of Lima, OH, Kevin Loyd of Lima, OH, and Kyle Kniffen of Jerseyville; six grandchildren; fiancĂŠ: Debra Matzen of Jerseyville; siblings: Gary Kniffen of Naples, FL, Sam Kniffen of Vermillion, SD, Nancy Craig of Vermillion, SD, Keith Kniffen of Frisco, TX, and Brian Kniffen of Madrid, IA. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents; wife: Kathleen (Alexander)
JERSEY COUNTY JOURNAL
Brenda Myers Brenda (Swarringin) Cordes Myers, 64, formerly of Jerseyville, went to be with her Lord, at 9:30 a.m., Sunday, October 6, 2019 at her residence from complications from Huntington’s Disease. She was born in Jerseyville, Illinois on June 12, 1955, and was the daughter of Charles David and Irma Jean (Looper) Swarringin. Brenda grew up in and around the White Hall and Carrollton areas, and attended Carrollton High School. She married Michael Eugene Cordes on Dec. 14, 1972 in Carrollton, and together they raised three sons, and shared nearly 25 years of marriage prior to his death on Aug. 8, 1997 after a fight with brain cancer. For the majority of their married life, they resided and raised their sons in Jerseyville. She was employed with the Jersey Community Unit School District #100 as a teacher’s aide, and enjoyed her time there until she decided it was time to stay home and care for her husband during his illness. She considered her three sons a gift from God, and in return to considered her ability to sign as her gift to God. She considered it a privlige to use her skills in signing at church, where she was able to provide the message as well as music to those that were in need. Later in life, she met Charles Myers, and the two married on April 22, 2009 in Hannibal, Mo. Together they two have made their home in Hannibal, and have enjoyed their 10 years together. Surviving are her husband, Charles Myers of Hannibal, Mo.; her three sons and daughters in law, Christopher Cordes of Dunedin, Fl., Patrick and Jamie Cordes of Fieldon, and David and Erika Cordes of Ocean Springs, Ms.; five grandchildren; five step
Gary Foiles Gary Charles Foiles, 65, of Shipman, died at 12:25 p.m. Oct. 1, 2019, at his home. Burial of cremated remains will be held on Oct. 13, 2019, at 1 p.m. in Shipman Cemetery. Anderson Family Funeral Home in Shipman has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. Memorials may be made to Autism Speaks.
Dana Bailey Dana Lee Bailey, 48 died at 4:08 p.m., Oct. 6, 2019 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Memorial Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until time of memorial service at 6 p.m. Oct. 14, 2019 at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
ONE PHONE CALL
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NEWSPAPERS Kniffen; and a brother: David Kniffen. A visitation and funeral service was held on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home. The visitation was from 9-11a.m., with a funeral beginning at 11a.m.. Mrs. Diane Stumpe will be officiating the funeral and burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery. Military Graveside Rites by American Legion Post #492. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Alexander & Gubser Funeral Home In Charge Of Arrangements
The People’s Marketplace 217-285-2345
children, Christopher Myers of Jacksonville, Fl., Regina Morgan of St. Petersburg, Fl., Lauren Blackstun, Sydni Myers and Cayse Myers all of Hannibal, Mo.; seven step grandchildren; and three brothers, Steve Swarringin of Jacksonville, Jesse Swarringin of Roodhouse and Charles Swarringin of Arnold, Mo. Visitation will from 11 a.m. Thursday until time of funeral services at 1 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Her pastors from Hannibal, Rev. Jamie Dyke and Rev. Michael Niffen will officiate. She will be laid to rest beside Michael at the Grimes-Neeley Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the Standing on the Rock Ministry in Hannibal, Mo. Memories may be shared at crawfordfunerals.com.
Loving Memory of
Bill Klunk
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n Loving memory of our Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa who wandered into an unknown land with a cheery smile, and a wave of his hand one year ago. 2XU KHDUWV DUH ÀOOHG ZLWK VDGQHVV RXU H\HV KDG VKHG many tears. *RG RQO\ NQRZV KRZ much we miss you DW WKH HQG RI WKLV ORQHO\ \HDU
Your memory will never grow old to us who loved you so dear. You left a beautiful memory. Dad, you were the “best� that the kids ever had.
All the Klunk Kids and Family
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Jerseyville, Illinois
Otis Burgess Otis W. Burgess, 87, died at 11:50 a.m. Friday, October 4, 2019 at Jerseyville Manor Nursing Home. He was born in Enfield Township, White County, Illinois on December 5, 1931, the son of Louis Franklin and Oma Ellen (Mayberry) Burgess. Otis served his country with the United States Army, and for many years was employed as a shipyard foreman with National Marine. He then began working as a school bus driver for Jersey Community Unit School District #100. He was probably most known, and fondly remembered as a valuable and trusted mechanic, operating Otis’s Garage out of his home on West Spruce Street in Jerseyville. He married the former Roberta J. Hargrave on Jan. 15, 1955 in Batesville, Ms., and their 45 year marriage was blessed with many happy memories, prior to her death on Aug. 18, 2000. Surviving are his daughter, Sandra Burgess of Chicago; two sisters, June Nash of Jerseyville and Wanda Schafer of Bowling Green, Ky.; a brother, Silas Burgess of Staunton; along with numer-
ous loving nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Louis Burgess, Wayne Burgess and Lawrence Burgess. Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services were conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday. His brother in law, Darrell Nash, officiated. He was laid to rest in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville, with the Jerseyville American Legion Post #492 conducting military graveside rites. Memorials may be given to either the Activity Department at Jerseyville Manor Nursing Home or to the Jersey County Relay for Life.
Can’t believe it’s been a year since you left us. Not a day goes by that we don’t think about you. Miss and love you so much. Paul, Michelle, Dusty, Taylor, Carly, Katie, Ryan, Rachel, Josh, Gage & Zoey
4-15-50 ~ 10-13-18 In Memory of Mary Lou French Heitzig The family of Mary Lou French Heitzig wish to express their sincere thanks to friends and families for their prayers, telephone calls, text messages and other acts of kindness shown to us during our loss. We wish also to thank the staff at Jerseyville Nursing and Rehabilitation and BJC Hospice for all the care and kindness shown to our Mother. Carl, Zack and Collin Crawford, you show such caring compassion and make a difficult time bearable. Thanks the Shawna Crawford for the beautiful flowers. Thanks to the Holy Ghost Altar Society for preparing and serving a delicious meal. And to Father Hyland Smith for celebrating a beautiful Funeral Mass in her honor. Thank you Phillip Wittman and Ted Prehn for the special awesome music. Larry Heitzig, Max and Glenda Heitzig, Connie Blackorby, Danny and Amy Heitzig, Luann Breitweiser, Jan and Wes Foiles, Craig and Jill Heitzig and families.