Pagel Funeral Home Obituaries

About Pagel Funeral Home

Pagel Funeral Home, located at 100 N Olive Street, St. Elmo, IL, 62458, is a trusted and compassionate funeral home that has been serving the community for many years. With a deep understanding of the importance of honoring loved ones who have passed away, the team at Pagel Funeral Home is dedicated to providing personalized and dignified funeral services that meet the unique needs of each family they serve.

A History of Compassionate Service

The story of Pagel Funeral Home began with a commitment to providing exceptional care and support to families during their most difficult times. Over the years, the funeral home has built a reputation for its unwavering dedication to excellence, compassion, and attention to detail. The team at Pagel Funeral Home takes pride in being a part of the St. Elmo community and is honored to have served generations of families with respect, empathy, and kindness.

Funeral Obiturary Search

Explore our extensive database to find and remember the lives of loved ones through millions of heartfelt obituaries

Search

Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Marilyn June Logsdon - April 20, 1931 - April 18, 2022

Departed: 04/18/2022 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Marilyn June Logsdon, age 90, passed away at 9:37 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2022 at HSHS St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.

Graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Mount Moriah Cemetery, north of St. Elmo with John Heicher officiating. Memorials may go to the donor’s choice.

Marilyn was born on April 20, 1931 in St. Elmo, Illinois, the daughter of Jim and Velma (Riley) Hatfill. She married Bill Logsdon on November 12, 1949. She graduated from St. Elmo High School in 1948. Marilyn loved to laugh and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved sewing and quilting, planting flowers, and bird watching. She and Bill raised champion Toy Fox Terriers, plus numerous other dogs, goats, ponies, chickens, and rabbits. They enjoyed taking off driving and stopping at restaurants along the way. They were excellent dancers and could clear the dance floor with their style and grace. She retired from Continental Telephone Company in Altamont, Illinois. Marilyn was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Post Oak, Illinois.

She is survived by her son, Tom Logsdon of (Tammy) of St. Elmo; daughter, Tamara Logsdon of St. Elmo; granddaughter, Becky Kull (Steve) of Effingham, Tommi Jurgens (Thad) of Golconda, Cole Logsdon of St. Elmo, and Cassie Baumgarten (Alex) of Effingham; eight great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Velma Hatfill; husband, Bill Logsdon; brothers, George and Jack Hatfill; sister, Ester Carter; and great-grandson, T.J. Jurgens.

View Full Obituary

Judy Ann Barnick - October 23, 1943 - April 17, 2022

Departed: 04/17/2022 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Judy Ann Barnick, age 78, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away at 3:04 p.m. Sunday, April 17, 2022 at HSHS St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2022 at Pagel Funeral Homes in St. Elmo. PeeWee Denton will be officiating. There will be a visitation from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will be at Sidener Cemetery in St. Elmo. Memorials may go to Sidener Cemetery or the donor’s choice.

Judy was born on October 23, 1943 in St. Elmo, Illinois the daughter of Glen C. and Gladys F. (Nowlin) Smith. She married Joseph Marion Barnick on June 2, 1962 at St. Mary’s Church in St. Elmo. She loved quilting, flea markets, painting, going to the Edgewood Opry, reading on her kindle, and spending time with her family and friends.  She was a member of the Threads of Friendship Quilt Club and the St. Elmo Sportsmen’s Club Rod and Gun Club.

She is survived by her sons, Tim Barnick (wife Tina) of Altamont and Jim Barnick of Effingham; daughters, Patty Barnick of Effingham and Julie McGuire (husband Tracey) of Altamont; eight grandchildren, Kyle (wife Jeanie), Brock (wife Alicia), Kayla (husband Lucas), Clayton (fiancé Kristen), Jonny, Hannah, Jacob, and Emily; 11 great-grandchildren with one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Gladys Smith; husband, Joseph Barnick; brother, Bill Smith; and sisters, Mildred Kohl, Janet McEndollar, Letta Morris, Jean May, Rosaline Stine.

View Full Obituary

Daniel W. Blair - January 10, 1949 - February 26, 2022

Departed: 02/26/2022 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Daniel “Boone” Wayne Blair, age 73, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away at 12:05 a.m. Saturday, February 26, 2022 at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

Graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at Maplewood Cemetery in St. Elmo.  Jack Jenkins will be officiating. Memorials may be made to Jasper County Cancer Fund P.O. Box 333 Newton, Illinois 62448 or St. Elmo Public Library District 311 West Cumberland Road St. Elmo, Illinois 62458 or donor’s choice.

Daniel was born on January 10, 1949 in Terre Haute, Indiana. He married Vickie J. Force on February 19, 1966 He retired from Ameren CIPS. Daniel was a member of Twelve Points Masonic Lodge 769 since 1973 and a 32° Scottish Rite Freemasonry of Northern Massive Jurisdiction since 1990. He loved camping with his wife, twin brother, family and friends. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-granddaughters.

He is survived by his wife, Vickie Blair of St. Elmo; children, Lisa Koberlein (husband Tony) of St. Elmo and Tracy Blair (late wife Michelle)  of Newton; his twin brother, David Blair (wife Karen) of Stilesville, Indiana; grandchildren, Andrea Koberlein of Effingham, Matt Koberlein of Effingham, Austin Blair (wife Bridget) of East Peoria; Ashley Grochowsky (husband Jake) of Newton; great-grandchildren, Matison and Kinley Koberlein of Effingham; several nieces, nephews and his two beloved cats.

He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond and one brother, Don Blair.

View Full Obituary

Maybelle Barnes - July 12, 1930 - February 22, 2022

Departed: 02/22/2022 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Maybelle Barnes, age 91, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away at 6:02 p.m. Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family.

View Full Obituary

Patricia Lynn Goldstein - September 17, 1964 - February 19, 2022

Departed: 02/19/2022 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Patricia “Patty” Lynn Mathis Goldstein, age 57, of Altamont, Illinois passed away at 7:06 p.m. Saturday, February 19, 2022 at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 26, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Altamont with a one-hour viewing prior to the service. Pastor Steve Donnelley will be officiating. Burial will be at Ramsey Cemetery in Ramsey, Illinois. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 25, 2022 at Pagel Funeral Homes in St. Elmo, Illinois. Memorials may go to First Baptist Church of Altamont, 102 1st Baptist Dr, Altamont, Illinois, 62411.

Patty was born on September 17, 1964 in Vandalia, Illinois, the daughter of Norris and Joan (Pryor) Blankenship. She married Gordon Lee Mathis Jr. on April 12, 1986 at the First Baptist Church of Ramsey. He preceded her in death on June 1, 2013. She later married David Goldstein on June 25, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Altamont. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Patty was an active Christian. She played and taught piano at her church for 20+ years, actively participated in choir, loved tending her flower garden and to the cattle on her small farm shared with her husband. She enjoyed spending time crocheting and sewing various quilts and throws for her family. She always loved spending time with her family, children, and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, David Goldstein of Altamont; sons, Ryan Mathis (fiancé Kristin Klein) of St. Elmo and Adam Mathis (wife Jessi) of Altamont; daughter, Katelynn Mathis of Altamont; 3 grandchildren, Aiden M. A. Mathis, Brady A. L. Mathis, and Lily J. Mathis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Norris and Joan Blankenship; late husband, Gordon Lee Mathis Jr.

View Full Obituary

Gary Ronald Graham - September 03, 1940 - February 12, 2022

Departed: 02/12/2022 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Gary Ronald Graham, formerly of St. Elmo, IL passed away at the Effingham Rehabilitation and Health Care Center on Saturday, February 12, 2022, with family by his side.  He was 81.  Gary was born in Vandalia, IL on September 3, 1940, to Wilbur and Flossie (Waddell) Graham.  He attended St. Elmo schools before heading to Southern Illinois University-Carbondale where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in English.  Early in his youth, Gary knew he wanted to become a minister, so during his university years, he juggled his schoolwork with his role as pastor for small Methodist churches, often three at a time.  He was active in the campus Wesley Foundation, where he frequently took a prominent role as retreat leader or facilitator.

During the summer of 1965, Graham served as Youth Director at the United Methodist Church of Godfrey, Illinois, and that fall, he became a candidate for the Bachelor of Divinity at Garrett Theological Seminary, Northwestern University, in Evanston, Illinois.  While at Garrett, he served as Youth Director and then Interim Pastor for the Grant Works Presbyterian Church in Cicero, Illinois.  He loved being a student and savored all his courses, but slowly chose to pursue the Clinical Pastoral Educational curriculum.  In the summer of 1967, he worked as a chaplain intern at the Dorchester Mental Hospital in Dorchester, Massachusetts and in 1968-69 at the Anna Mental State Hospital in Anna, Illinois.  He graduated from Garrett in 1969, having earned both the Bachelor’s and Master’s of Divinity degrees, and was ordained a Deacon in the United Methodist Church (Chatham, Massachusetts, 1967) and as an Elder (East St. Louis, Illinois, 1969).  He then worked at the Bowen Children’s Center in Harrisburg and soon thereafter was on the staff at the Asklepeion Foundation in Carbondale.  Perhaps his most notable role was as Executive Director of Hill House (now Gateway Foundation), a residential substance abuse treatment facility.  His final position was working as a psychologist at the Sioux Valley Hospital in New Ulm, Minnesota.

Gary was a master-preacher and designer of integrated worship services.  He was an avid reader of philosophy, theology, psychotherapy, the Bible, and Civil War history. A formative work was the Bhagavad Gita, of which he often spoke.  He loved to garden, hunt for deer, swim, and have in-depth conversations with friends and family members.  He loved his family and was sometimes looked to for assistance in weddings and graveside services.  He is survived by his four daughters, Rachel Graham Schnitzler of Sparta, WI; Sarah Graham of Mankato, MN; Annie Graham Griggs of Campbellsport, WI; and Katherine Graham of Brooklyn, NY.  He also leaves his brother and lifelong best friend, Jon Graham of Indian Lake Estates, Florida, special niece Joni Graham Warren of Vandalia, five grandchildren, and many cousins and friends.

Gary was a gentle man, a humorous man, and a man of limitless generosity.  Many of his dearest friends and associates have preceded him in death, as have his parents, but those who survive will feel their loss for a long time.

Memorials in Gary’s honor may be made to the Dementia Society of America or Gateway Foundation in Carbondale, IL.

View Full Obituary

Kenneth R Smith - December 01, 1953 - February 10, 2022

Departed: 02/10/2022 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Kenneth “Kenny” R. Smith, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away at 5:06 a.m. Thursday, February 10, 2022 at his home.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 14, 2022 at Pagel Funeral Homes in St. Elmo, Illinois with a one-hour viewing prior to the service. Pee Wee Denton will be officiating. Burial will be at Post Oak Cemetery in rural St. Elmo, Illinois. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, February 13, 2022 at Pagel Funeral Homes in St. Elmo. Memorials may be made to St. Elmo Friends of the Park, Post Oak Cemetery, or the donor’s choice.

The family requests that anyone attending the visitation or funeral wears casual or Harley Davidson attire.

Kenny was born on December 1, 1953 in Vandalia, Illinois, the son of Earl R. and Vera M. (Davison) Smith. He married Marsha Stewart on April 13, 1979 at Beck’s Lake in rural Altamont, Illinois. She preceded him in death on May 18, 2014. Kenny was a member of AIM, A.B.A.T.E, NRA. He was the president of Friends of St. Elmo Park District, Vice President of Fayette County Fair Association, and Jr. Vice Commander at the Edgewood Son’s of American Legion. He enjoyed old American made tools, motorcycles, yard sales and resale shops, and tending to his yard. He loved his family and all things outdoors.

He is survived by his sons, John Stewart (wife Michelle) of St. Elmo and Jason Smith (wife Marcie) of Brownstown; daughter, Jessica Dye-Antrim (husband Jase) of Beecher City; 8 grandchildren, Caden Stewart, Calen Stewart, Ryan Smith, Mykaela Dye, Madison Dye, Max Dye, Kelsey Dippold, and Mason; and special friend, Donna Saylor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Vera Smith; wife, Marsha Smith; mother and father-in-law, Cloral and Marjorie Stewart; son-in-law, Jason Dye.

View Full Obituary

Carolyn Norine Forbes - December 30, 1942 - February 04, 2022

Departed: 02/04/2022 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Carolyn Norine Forbes, age 79, of Harristown, Illinois passed away at 4:55 p.m. Friday, February 4, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur, Illinois.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 11, 2022 at Pagel Funeral Homes in St. Elmo with graveside service to follow at Springhill Cemetery. PeeWee Denton will be officiating. Memorials may go to Springhill Cemetery or the donor’s choice.

In reference to COVID concerns, please be mindful of social distancing guidelines and it is suggested that masks are worn.

Carolyn was born on December 30, 1942 in Winnebago County, Illinois, the daughter of Johnnie Earl and Leola Norine (Tucker) Hopper. She married James H. Forbes in April of 2010. Carolyn enjoyed watching NASCAR and Little House on the Prairie. She loved animals, going to church, and was known to put everyone else before herself. Her favorite memories were made while spending time with her family and friends. Carolyn will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her son, David Forbes (wife Dawn) of Harristown; brothers, Jim Hopper (wife Marie) of Farina and Jack Hopper of St. Elmo; three grandchildren, Michael Templeton, Amy Forbes, and Dawnyelle Forbes; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie and Leola Hopper; husband, James Forbes; brothers, George Hopper and Rick Hopper; and sister, Norma Hopper.

View Full Obituary

Donnie Ray Engeljohn - March 26, 1937 - January 16, 2022

Departed: 01/16/2022 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Donnie Ray Engeljohn, age 84, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away surrounded by his family at 4:14 p.m. Sunday, January 16, 2022, at his residence in St. Elmo, Illinois, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

View Full Obituary

Bertha "Bert" Wright - November 08, 1958 - January 03, 2022

Departed: 01/03/2022 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Bertha “Bert” Mae Wright, age 63, of Brownstown, Illinois passed away at 12:47 p.m. Monday, January 3, 2022 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital in Mattoon, Illinois.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 7, 2022 at Connection Church in St. Elmo, Illinois with a two-hour visitation prior to the service. Richard Corwin will be officiating. Burial will be at Springhill Cemetery in rural St. Elmo, Illinois. Memorials may go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the donor’s choice.

Bert was born on November 8, 1958 in Vandalia, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur R. and Ruth L. (Sarver) Forbes. She married Kevin L. Wright on June 26, 1977 in St. Elmo, Illinois. Bert was an avid mushroom hunter. She loved gardening and spending quality time with her family and friends. Bert was considered the backbone of her family and will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Kevin Wright of Brownstown; son, Joseph Wright (wife Haley) of Brownstown;  brothers, Paul Forbes of Chatham and Bob Forbes (wife Linda) of Mt. Vernon; sisters, Beulah Ross (husband Harold) of Beecher City, Mary Lou Jennings (husband Leslie) of Fountaintown, Indiana, Elaine Lilly (husband Greg) of Mode, Sue Scholes (husband Roger) of St. Elmo, Dot Austin (husband Bob) of Ramsey and Faye Williams (husband Virgil) of Brownstown; sisters-in-law, Susie and Roberta Forbes.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Ruth Forbes; two sisters in infancy, Helen and Barbara; three brothers, Hadley, Marvin, and Darrell Forbes.

View Full Obituary

Jeremy Wayne Buie - October 28, 1987 - January 03, 2022

Departed: 01/03/2022 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Jeremy Wayne Buie, age 34, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away at 4:38 a.m. Monday, January 3, 2022 at his home in St. Elmo, Illinois.

There will be a visitation from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday, January 10, 2022 at Pagel Funeral Homes in St. Elmo, Illinois with burial at Mount Moriah Cemetery in rural St. Elmo to follow. Pee Wee Denton will be officiating. Memorials may go to Pagel Funeral Homes to help with expenses or the donor’s choice.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, please be mindful of social distancing guidelines and masks are suggested.

Jeremy was born on October 28, 1987 in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Jay H. Buie and Lora A. Hatfill. He loved to fish, collect knives and baseball cards, go camping, and spend time with his family and friends. He was an avid Cleveland Browns fan.

He is survived by his dad, Jay Buie of St. Elmo; mom, Lora Hatfill (companion Gale Janssen) of St. Elmo; sons, Joshua, Harvey, and Dominick Buie; daughters, Hailey and Brianna Buie; brothers, Jason Buie of Brownstown, Joshua Buie (fiancé Alex) of Springfield, Donavon Weatherman of Altamont, Justin Buie (wife Kristin) of Toledo, Jaycob Buie of Beecher City; sisters, Jessica Hovis (husband Harley) of Effingham, Jayna Buie of St. Elmo, and Jenna Nelson of Stewardson.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Jack and Judy Hatfill and paternal grandparent, Janet Scammahorn.

View Full Obituary

Marjorie F. Sarver - March 23, 1939 - January 02, 2022

Departed: 01/02/2022 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Marjorie Fern Sarver, age 82, of St. Elmo, Illinois, passed away at 3:30 a.m. Sunday, January 2, 2022 at Aperion Care Center in St. Elmo, Illinois.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Chapel United Methodist Church, Post Oak with a one hour viewing prior to the service.  Rev. John Heicher will be officiating.  Burial will follow at the Springhill Cemetery in rural St. Elmo.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, please be mindful of social distancing guidelines and masks are suggested.

View Full Obituary

Roselyn F. Stine - December 28, 1929 - January 02, 2022

Departed: 01/02/2022 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Roselyn Fern Stine, age 92, of St. Elmo, Illinois, passed away at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, January 2, 2022 at Aperion Care Center in St. Elmo, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, January 30 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at The Barn in St. James, Illinois.

View Full Obituary

Lana Kay Engelien - December 27, 1968 - January 01, 2022

Departed: 01/01/2022 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Lana Kay Engelien, age 53, of Farina, Illinois, passed away at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, January 1, 2022 at her residence in Farina, Illinois.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

View Full Obituary

Sandra L. Bollhorst - November 19, 1946 - November 29, 2021

Departed: 11/29/2021 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Sandra Lee Bollhorst, age 75, of Effingham, Illinois passed away at 9:58 p.m. Monday, November 29, 2021, at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 3, 2021 at Friedens United Church of Christ in Farina, Illinois. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Jerry Gesell will be officiating. Burial will be at Farina Cemetery in Farina, Illinois. Memorials may go to the family, Friedens United Church of Christ or the donor’s choice.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.

Sandra was born November 19, 1946 in Vandalia, Illinois, the daughter of Ralph and Daisy (Loncor) Thompson. She married Richard Bollhorst on May 18, 1963, at Friedens United Church of Christ in Farina, Illinois. She was a homemaker and enjoyed doing genealogy, ceramics, and playing bingo. She is survived by her daughters, Jeannie Calhoun (husband Steve) of St. Elmo, Illinois, Stacey Warner (husband Lee) of St. Elmo, Illinois, and Nikki Bollhorst (fiancé Rob Scrimpsher) of Altamont, Illinois; son-in-law, Rusty Wright of Beecher City, Illinois; sisters, Donna Cranford (husband James) of  Oklahoma, Mary Lappin (husband Jerry) of Sesser, Illinois and Peggy Long (deceased husband Jerry) of Xenia, Illinois; 24 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren;

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Daisy Thompson; husband, Richard Bollhorst; daughter, Connie Lynne Wright; sister, Barbara Jean Thompson and one grandson, Timothy Ray Warner.

View Full Obituary

Rosemary C. Owen - June 07, 1926 - October 23, 2021

Departed: 10/23/2021 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Rosemary Catherine Owen, age 95, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Aperion Care Nursing Home in St. Elmo, Illinois.

View Full Obituary

George A. Hopper - September 29, 1949 - October 23, 2021

Departed: 10/23/2021 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: George Hopper, age 72, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away at 6:18 p.m. Saturday, October 23, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

View Full Obituary

Kenneth Wayne Hardig - December 25, 1943 - October 08, 2021

Departed: 10/08/2021 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Kenneth Wayne Hardig, age 77, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away at 3:28 a.m. Friday. October 8, 2021 at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.

Funeral service will be at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at Pagel Funeral Homes in St. Elmo, Illinois. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at Pagel Funeral Homes, St. Elmo. Memorials may go to Kenneth’s family or the donor’s choice.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.

Kenneth was born on December 25, 1943 in Mattoon, Illinois, the son of Charles and Virginia (Greenwood) Hardig. He married Paulette M. Rhodes on August 31, 1973 in Effingham, Illinois. He enjoyed hunting, woodworking, watching Gunsmoke on tv, and spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Paulette Hardig of St. Elmo, Illinois; son, Jeff Hardig of Altamont, Illinois; daughters, Kimberly Olinger (husband Dennis) of Palmer, Illinois and Bobbi Newburn; sisters, Karen Edwards (husband Tom) of Florida, Janice Alspaugh of Florida, Nancy Spencer (husband Andy) of Tennessee; and four grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Virginia Hardig.

View Full Obituary

Margaret R Cummings - May 10, 1926 - October 08, 2021

Departed: 10/08/2021 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Margaret R. Cummings, age 95, St. Elmo, Illinois passed away Saturday, October 8, 2021, at Lakeland Health Care Center Effingham, Illinois, with her family by her side.

View Full Obituary

Patricia Belden - August 08, 1922 - October 08, 2021

Departed: 10/08/2021 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Patricia Belden “39” (really 99), passed away peacefully October 8, 2021, in Saint Elmo, Illinois.

View Full Obituary

James William Bush - June 24, 1948 - October 07, 2021

Departed: 10/07/2021 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: James “Jim” William Bush Sr., age 73 of St. Elmo, Illinois, passed away at 4:35 p.m. Thursday, October 7, 2021, in Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, Illinois.

View Full Obituary

Audrey Rose Plum - July 26, 1927 - September 17, 2021

Departed: 09/17/2021 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Audrey Rose Plum, age 94, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away at 1:43 a.m. Friday, September 17, 2021 at her home, surrounded by her family.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Pagel Funeral Homes in St. Elmo, Illinois with a one-hour viewing prior the service. PeeWee Denton will be officiating. Burial will be at Sidener Cemetery in rural St. Elmo, Illinois. Memorials may go to Sidener Cemetery or the donor’s choice.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, please follow social distancing guidelines and wear a mask.

Audrey was born on July 26, 1927 in Fayette County, Illinois, the daughter of Howard and Bessie (Oliver) Pruitt. She married Donald F. Plum on June 30,1945 in Phenix City, Alabama. She enjoyed reading, puzzle books, and spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her son, Gary Plum (wife Diane) of Vandalia, Illinois; daughters, Rosetta Teixeira (husband Ed) of Sardinia, Ohio and Lisa Newburn (husband Shawn) of St. Elmo, Illinois; 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; and 1 great great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Bessie Pruitt; husband, Donald F. Plum; son, Donald J. Plum; brother, Howard Oliver Pruitt; sisters, Lucille Kennedy, Faye Pruitt, and Alberta Smith.

View Full Obituary

Kelly Joe Newburn - January 25, 1948 - September 12, 2021

Departed: 09/12/2021 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Kelly Joe Newburn, age 73, of Altamont, Illinois passed away on Sunday, September 12, 2021at Carle Foundation Hospital in Champaign, Illinois.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Macedonia Christian Church in Farina, Illinois with a two-hour viewing prior to the service. Rev. Jim Ziegler will be officiating. Burial will be at Sidener Cemetery in rural St. Elmo, Illinois. Memorials may go to Sidener Cemetery, Macedonia Christian Church, or the donor’s choice.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, please follow social distancing guidelines and wear a mask.

Kelly was born on January 25, 1948 in Roosevelt, Utah, the son of Charles H. and Della M. (Tate) Newburn. He enjoyed fishing, fixing things, spending time with his family and friends, and spoiling his grandchildren.

He is survived by his sons, Tom Newburn (wife Heather) of Portsmouth, Virginia and Harvey Newburn of Ash Grove, Missouri; daughters, Dawn Spicer of Altamont, Illinois and Valecia Newburn of Benton, Illinois; brother, Ronnie Newburn (wife Barb) of Brownstown, Illinois; 9 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Della Newburn; sister, Ruby Owens.

View Full Obituary

Anna Jean Rhodes - May 28, 1929 - September 08, 2021

Departed: 09/08/2021 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: Anna Jean Rhodes, age 92, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away at 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Aperion Care in St. Elmo, Illinois.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 13, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church in St. Elmo, Illinois with a one-hour viewing prior to the service.  Pastor Dan Laack will be officiating.  Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery in St. Elmo, Illinois. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, September 12, 2021 at First United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Historical Vandalia Museum or the donor’s choice.

Anna Jean was born on May 28, 1929 in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, the daughter of Hobart M. and Mattie B. (Garrett) Bates.  She married her high school sweetheart, Phillip H. Rhodes, on February 6, 1949 in St. Elmo, Illinois.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in St. Elmo, Illinois since 1943. She loved to cook and she was a collector of many things; she had more than 2000 cookbooks and over 300 nativities. Anna Jean announced the St. Elmo news on the radio and she wrote news articles for several newspapers in the area.  She was a volunteer for many things. Anna Jean has been active in the schools, her church, Women’s Clubs, Eastern Star, 4-H, Girl Scouts, Fayette County Home Extension, American Cancer Society drives, and farming organizations, to name a few. After her husband passed away, Anna Jean took over the management of 423 acres of rented farmland and continued his role of selling for pioneer Seed Co., a position he had held for 15 years. She has contributed countless volunteer hours to her community and the county, including the Fayette County Red Cross Board and Diabetes Board, was secretary for Historical Vandalia Museum, and has served as president for various boards, councils, organizations and causes. She has served virtually every position in her church over the years. She was a member of St. Elmo Women’s Civic Club beginning in 1954. She received a 16-gallon pin for donating blood to the American Red Cross. To honor her years of volunteer service, Anna Jean was awarded 2015 St. Elmo Citizen of The Year.

She is survived by her son, Steven Rhodes (Scott Edmonds) of Chicago, Illinois; daughter, Phyllis Lea (husband Prentiss) of Libertyville, Illinois; grandchildren, Soo Jin Lea and Chae Rin Lea of Libertyville, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hobart and Mattie Bates; husband, Phillip Rhodes; and brother, McKinley Bates.

View Full Obituary

David Lynn Spain - March 24, 1957 - September 07, 2021

Departed: 09/07/2021 (St. Elmo)

Obituary Preview: David Lynn Spain, 64, of St. Elmo, IL passed away peacefully on September 7, 2021 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

There will be no services at this time. Memorials can be made out to the family or Second Chance Animal Rescue of Fayette County.

David was born on March 24, 1957 in Vandalia to Edward and Kay (Guffey) Spain.

He worked at Stevens Industries for 25 years. He enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, and spending time with his grandchildren. David loved the St. Louis Cardinals and Fighting Illini.

He is survived by two daughters, Traci Thoele and Taylor (partner, Neal Forston) Spain; son-in-law Josh Thoele; three grandchildren, Mason, Colsen, and Carter Thoele; his parents; his partner, Carol Dunn; sister, Pam Haslett and brother-in-law, Tim; brother, Kevin Spain; three nephews, Travis, Tyler, and Toby (Jeni) Haslett; great nieces, Parker and Saylor Haslett; great nephew, Silas Haslett.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Terry and sister-in-law, Marcia Spain.

View Full Obituary

123Next ›Last »

Personalized Funeral Services

No two individuals are alike, and neither should their funeral services be. At Pagel Funeral Home, the team understands the importance of tailoring funeral arrangements to reflect the personality, interests, and accomplishments of the deceased. From traditional funerals to cremation services, memorial gatherings, and celebrations of life, the funeral home offers a wide range of options to suit each family's unique needs and preferences.

Caring and Experienced Staff

The staff at Pagel Funeral Home is comprised of experienced and caring professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional service to families. From funeral directors and embalmers to administrative staff and support personnel, every team member plays a vital role in ensuring that each family receives the highest level of care and compassion. The funeral home's staff is trained to handle every aspect of funeral planning, from coordinating logistics to offering emotional support and guidance.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Pagel Funeral Home's facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and peaceful environment for families to gather and pay their respects. The funeral home's chapel is equipped with modern amenities, including audio-visual equipment and comfortable seating for large or small gatherings. In addition, the facility features private visitation rooms, a casket selection room, and ample parking for guests.

Community Involvement

Pagel Funeral Home is deeply committed to giving back to the St. Elmo community. The funeral home participates in various local events and charities throughout the year, demonstrating its dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those it serves. By supporting local organizations and initiatives, Pagel Funeral Home strives to build stronger relationships with the community it serves.

Pre-Planning Options

While no one likes to think about their own mortality, pre-planning a funeral can be a wise decision that alleviates stress and financial burdens on loved ones. At Pagel Funeral Home, families can take advantage of pre-planning options that allow them to make informed decisions about their final arrangements in advance. By pre-planning a funeral, individuals can ensure that their wishes are respected while also locking in costs at today's prices.

Supporting Families Through Grief

Losing a loved one is never easy, but having access to resources and support can make a significant difference in the grieving process. Pagel Funeral Home offers bereavement support groups, counseling services, and online resources to help families navigate their grief journey. The funeral home's staff is also available to provide guidance on coping with loss and finding ways to honor loved ones who have passed away.

Contact Information

If you're looking for a trusted partner to help you navigate the funeral planning process or would like more information about Pagel Funeral Home's services, please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact the funeral home by phone at [insert phone number], email at [insert email], or by visiting their website at [insert website URL]. The team at Pagel Funeral Home looks forward to serving you with compassion, dignity, and respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their family, accomplishments, and any notable achievements.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a lasting tribute to the deceased, preserving their memory and legacy.

Who typically writes an obituary?

The responsibility of writing an obituary usually falls on the family members or close friends of the deceased. In some cases, a funeral home or mortuary may assist in writing the obituary or provide a template for the family to fill out.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's full name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, achievements, and surviving family members. It may also include information about memorial services, donations, or other relevant details.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication and the individual's life story. Generally, it should be concise and to the point, ranging from a few sentences to a few paragraphs at most.

Can I include photos with the obituary?

Yes, many publications allow you to include one or more photos with the obituary. This can be a meaningful way to personalize the tribute and help readers connect with the deceased.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

The submission process varies depending on the publication or platform. Typically, you'll need to provide the written obituary and any accompanying photos, along with payment for the publication fee. Some platforms may have online submission forms or email addresses for submissions.

How much does it cost to publish an obituary?

The cost of publishing an obituary varies widely depending on the publication, location, and length of the obituary. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars for a print publication, while online platforms may offer free or low-cost options.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, some people choose to write their own obituary in advance as a way to ensure their life story is told accurately and with dignity. This can also be a therapeutic exercise in reflecting on one's life and accomplishments.

What if I don't have all the information needed for an obituary?

If you're missing certain details or struggling to gather information, consider reaching out to other family members or friends who may be able to provide insight. You can also omit certain sections or focus on the most important aspects of the person's life.

Can I include humorous or lighthearted elements in an obituary?

Absolutely! While an obituary should be respectful, it's also okay to inject some personality and humor into the tribute. This can help celebrate the person's spirit and make the reading experience more enjoyable.

How do I handle sensitive or difficult information in an obituary?

When dealing with sensitive topics like cause of death or personal struggles, it's essential to approach the subject with tact and compassion. Consider consulting with other family members or a professional writer for guidance.

What if I want to include a special message or quote in the obituary?

This is a great way to add a personal touch and make the obituary more meaningful. Choose a quote or message that resonates with the person's values or personality.

Can I include information about charitable donations in lieu of flowers?

Yes, many families opt to include this information in the obituary as a way to honor their loved one's memory and support a worthy cause.

How long after death should an obituary be published?

The timing varies depending on cultural traditions and personal preferences. Typically, an obituary is published within a few days to a week after death, but it can be published at any time that feels appropriate for the family.

Can I publish an obituary online only?

Yes, many online platforms specialize in hosting obituaries and memorials. This can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option that allows for easy sharing and access.

What if I need help writing an obituary?

If you're struggling to write an obituary or need guidance on structure and content, consider consulting with a professional writer or seeking assistance from a funeral home or bereavement counselor.

Can I update or correct an obituary after it's been published?

In some cases, yes. If you notice errors or omissions in the published obituary, contact the publication or platform directly to request corrections. Be prepared to provide supporting documentation or evidence for any changes.

How do I preserve an online obituary over time?

Many online platforms offer permanent archiving options for obituaries. You can also save a copy of the obituary as a PDF or printout for future reference.

What if I want to create a more extensive memorial or tribute?

Beyond an obituary, you might consider creating a memorial website, social media page, or scrapbook dedicated to your loved one's memory. These can serve as ongoing tributes and allow friends and family to share memories and condolences.

Can I republish an old obituary from years ago?

If you have access to an old obituary from years past, you can certainly republish it online or share it with others as a way to honor your loved one's memory.

How do I ensure accuracy when writing an obituary?

To ensure accuracy, verify facts through multiple sources whenever possible. Consult with other family members or friends who may have insight into specific details. Proofread carefully before submitting the obituary for publication.

What if I'm not comfortable writing an obituary myself?

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about writing an obituary, consider enlisting the help of a trusted friend or family member. Alternatively, many funeral homes and bereavement counselors offer assistance with writing and publishing obituaries.