Gent Funeral Home

02/18/2026

Dateline: Godfrey

Robert Allen “Bob” Darnstaedt, 90, a longtime resident of Godfrey, Illinois, died February 5, 2026.

He was born July 21, 1935, the son of Edwin and Hulda (Luedeman) Darnstaedt. He grew up on a family farm near Jacob, Illinois, and graduated from Gorham High School in 1953.

Bob spent most of his working life in auto parts sales in Murphysboro and later in the Alton area.

On February 23, 1957, he married Elizabeth Anne “Liz” Sorrels in Murphysboro. The couple moved from Murphysboro to Godfrey in 1969 and spent the remainder of their married life there.

Bob was known for his kindness, his sense of humor and his love of classic cars. He owned several classic cars over the years, and one of his Nash automobiles in particular earned recognition as a “most unique vehicle.” In retirement, he was a familiar presence as a morning mall walker for many years. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his nephews and nieces, Rev. Mark (Linda) Darnstaedt, Karla Darnstaedt, Kristyl (Eddie) Mangrum, Denise Amschler and Renee Lofgren; and several members of his extended family, including Adam Morris, Heather Morris, Ted Morris and Mary Anne Morris, who were close to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, LeRoy Darnstaedt; and his sister, Delphine Amschler.

A visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of memorial service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, with a meal to follow.

Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at

The passing of a loved one is a difficult time. We are here to help you honor and celebrate their life, and to begin the healing process for your family.

02/07/2026

Dateline: Godfrey
Dorothy Irene Polston, 98, died at 5:43 a.m. Friday, February 6, 2026 at her home in Godfrey. Born January 9, 1928 in Godfrey, she was the daughter of Warren W. and Anna E. (Martin) Wilson. On September 9, 1949 she married Earl Polston in Carrollton, IL. He preceded her in death on November 28, 1975. Mrs. Polston retired as a box packer for Owens-Illinois. Surviving are three daughters, Karan Wilson (Dave) of Port Charlette, FL, Brenda Casey (Lou) of Godfrey, and Lori Gray (Rick) of Collinsville, two grandchildren, Matt Lawson (Leah) of Virginia and Steve Lawson (Anna) of Maryland. Also surviving is a sister, Clara Chinowth of Lincoln, IL. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, George Wilson and John Wilson, and three sisters, Mildred Shaw, Margaret Baker and Anna Wilson. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 12:00 noon Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Reverend Sonny Renken will officiate. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Memorials may be made to the American Kidney Fund. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

02/03/2026

Dateline: Brighton
Raymond Michael “Mike” Hogan Jr., 72, of Brighton, IL passed away peacefully on January 27th, 2026. Born on April 6th, 1953 to Raymond Sr. and Angela Hogan (née Nowicki) in Granite City, IL. Raymond was known for his service, adventurous spirit and warm humor. He graduated from Granite City High School in 1971.
After graduation, he served in the United States Marine Corps with service during the Vietnam War. Upon his return from service, he earned his Firefighter and EMT certification and served on the Edwardsville Fire Department for over 23 years. Upon his retirement from the fire department, he finished his working years joining the Kraft Foods team in Granite City where he served as Quality Control Supervisor. Upon retirement, he enjoyed golfing, spending time with great friends and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He had 3 children, Shaun Hogan of St. Peters, MO, Erin Rios (née Hogan) of New Braunfels, TX and Brian Hogan of Brighton, IL.
Raymond is preceded in death by his wife Lualis “Lu” Hogan (née Long), his parents, Raymond Hogan Sr. and Angela Hogan (née Nowicki), and his sister Patricia Carey (née Hogan). He is survived by his sister, Betty Truitt (née Hogan), brother Thomas Hogan and his three children, son Shaun Hogan, daughter Erin Rios (née Hogan) (with husband Michael Rios), and son Brian Hogan as well his three amazing grandchildren, Michael, Joseph and Ava.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until time of memorial service at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9th, 2026 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made either to Backstoppers.org or Woundedwarriorproject.org in his name. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

01/28/2026

Dateline: Godfrey
Lois Ethel Haggard, 90, died at 7:08 p.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born July 27, 1935 in Hartford, she was the daughter of Everett and Ruby (Reynolds) Richardson. She married David E. Haggard on August 24, 1953 in Oceanside, CA. He preceded her in death on March 15, 2016. Surviving are two sons, Lyle D. Haggard of Florissant, MO and Mark A. Haggard (Britta) of Alton, five grandchildren, Brian Haggard (Casey) of St. Louis, MO, Cheryl Haggard-Boyer (Brad) of Godfrey, Hannon Haggard (Heather) of St. Louis, MO, Asher Haggard (Jessica) of Edwardsville, and Sage Haggard of St. Louis, MO, 13 great grandchildren, Gabriel (Valerie), Carter, Faith (Anthony), Alexandra, Zachariah, Titus, Jackson, Madison, Ariel, Kira, Levi, Louis, and Chloe, and one great-great grandchild, Matthew. Also surviving is a sister, Carrol Welch of Arlington Heights, IL. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 12:00 noon Friday, February 6, 2026 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Lyle Haggard will officiate. Burial will be at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Online guestbook and information may be found at

The passing of a loved one is a difficult time. We are here to help you honor and celebrate their life, and to begin the healing process for your family.

01/28/2026

Dateline: Alton

Louise Alexander Moehn (Pope), age 85, passed away on January 26, 2026. She was born on November 7, 1940, in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Allan and Elizabeth (Alexander) Pope.

Louise was the beloved wife of Larry Moehn, to whom she was married for 65 years. Their marriage was a remarkable partnership built on love, shared purpose, and an unwavering commitment to family and community.

She was a devoted mother to Andrew Moehn, Kristin Bower (Roy), Michael Moehn (Lisa Nielsen), John Moehn (Joy), and Steve Moehn (Kara), and a proud grandmother to Allan, Matthew, Danny, Andrew (AJ), Bradley, Patrick, Anna, Zach, Alex, Jacob, Sofia, and Stella, each of whom brought her immense joy.

Louise was also a cherished sister to George Cannon and Alex Cannon and was preceded in death by her siblings Michael Cannon and Maggie Huff (Cannon).

Louise was a graduate of Alton High School and DePaul University School of Nursing. She worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Anthony’s Hospital, where her compassion and professionalism touched countless lives. In addition to her nursing career, Louise was the owner and operator of the Mid-Illinois Gymnastics and Dance Academy for over 60 years, dedicating herself to mentoring generations of young athletes and dancers.

In recognition of her lifelong commitment to youth development and the sport of gymnastics, Louise — along with her husband Larry — was honored with the USA Gymnastics Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to her passion, leadership, and lasting impact.

Above all, Louise will be remembered for her strength, generosity, and deep devotion to her family. Her influence lives on through the many lives she shaped as a nurse, coach, mentor, wife, mother, and grandmother.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

A private Mass and burial service will be held for the immediate family only. A celebration of life will follow at a later date, where all friends are invited to join. Details will be shared when available.

Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

01/18/2026

They have made it across the river

01/08/2026

James Borden Lynch Obituary:
James Borden Lynch, 73, died at 12:20 p.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Missouri Baptist Medical Center. He was born December 9, 1952 in Charlotte, NC, the son of the late Herbert Adolphus and Doris Louise (Hiller) Lynch.
Following service in the United States Army, Jim graduated from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1976, where he majored in political science and acquired a lifelong love of the North Carolina Tar Heels.
He then attended the University of Virginia School of Law, graduating in 1980. There he made lifelong friends, particularly with his small section (Section L), many of whom continued to regularly share news and memories and even take trips together more than 40 years after the conclusion of their time in Charlottesville.
Although a native of the Southeast, Jim’s career next took him to the frozen plains of Minnesota, where he began working as an attorney at the law firm of Dorsey & Whitney in Minneapolis. He began as a trial lawyer and later served as longstanding counsel to numerous medical associations and medical certifying boards—including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Board of Ophthalmology, as well as the American Board of Radiology. Here, too, he acquired not only clients but lifelong friends, particularly through his decades as legal counsel to the AAO’s Ethics Committee.
In Minneapolis, Jim met, and on May 12, 1990, married Melissa Draper, who survives. Also surviving are his son, Daniel Draper Lynch of Washington, D.C., two sisters, Jane Lynch of Durham, NC and Frances Tuttle of Orinda, CA, a nephew, Tim Hultzman (Sarah Guidi) of Raleigh, NC, great nephew Theo Hultzman and great niece Linden Hultzman, cousin Herbert Harriss (Karen) of Wilmington, NC, his mother-in-law, Patricia Draper of Bethalto, and cousins-in-law Joyce Fleming (Gary) of Alton, Julie Fleming-Vambaketes of East Alton, and Dr. Jason Fleming of Carmel, IN. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, George M. Draper of Bethalto.
Visitation will start at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 12, 2026 followed by a brief service at 11:00 led by Father John Wykes. Burial will be at Bunker Hill Cemetery with military honors. Memorials may be made to Doctors Without Borders, World Central Kitchen, or the American Cancer Society. Additional information and online guestbook may be found at

The passing of a loved one is a difficult time. We are here to help you honor and celebrate their life, and to begin the healing process for your family.

01/08/2026

Ben Allen Jr. passed away Saturday January 3, 2026, in Lawrence, Kansas with his family by his side. He was born December 18, 1960 in Alton, Illinois to Ben and Trudi, Benjie was the oldest of three children. Ben graduated from Alton High School in 1979 and went on to attend The University of Oklahoma. He was a talented and self-taught musician and artist. Ben began playing the piano as a child and quickly became prolific in classical and later contemporary music. He was in constant pursuit of knowledge, curious about the workings of the world. From antiquities to current events, he was a wealth of knowledge, which, sometimes to the chagrin of his family, was usually superior. Ben had a mind of his own and informed opinions that he was happy to share. He was a skilled and avid chess player as well. Benjie enjoyed childhood summers in Saugatuck, and one special summer spent with his Uncle Hube managing the archeological dig in Morgantina, Sicily. Ben moved to Lawrence in 2004 to be closer to his beloved University of Kansas. Ben was preceded in death by his dear friend and cousin Lee Allen, and his grandparents, Hub and Berta Allen and Al and Na Weber.
Benjie is survived by his parents, Ben and Trudi, his brother Peter (Gina), and his sister Betsy (Eddie Sholar), 7 cousins and 5 nieces and nephews. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at

The passing of a loved one is a difficult time. We are here to help you honor and celebrate their life, and to begin the healing process for your family.

01/03/2026

Dateline: Godfrey
After a long battle with his health, Robert Bryant II, 59, of Alton, passed away January 1, 2026, at DePaul Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. Robert was born to Robert and Marjory (Hand) Bryant on December 23, 1966, in Alton.
He graduated from Alton High School and then...

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12/26/2025

Dateline: Godfrey, IL
Nathaniel “Nate” Lee Mowers, 46, passed away at 7:58 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at DePaul Hospital in St. Louis. He was born March 29, 1979 in St. Louis, MO the son of Terry and Theresa (Varble) Mowers. Nate was a resident of Beverly Farm in Godfrey. Besides his parents he is survived by two brothers, Thomas Mowers, Hayden Mowers and four sisters, Penny Booth (Rob), Britini Lucore, Tiffiny Seemann and Megan Mowers. A memorial visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until time of Celebration of Life service at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday January 3, 2026 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Reverend Roger Bruce will officiate. Memorials may be made to Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Online information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

12/26/2025

Harry Kortkamp, 92, of Alton, passed away December 25, 2025 at Alton Memorial Hospital. Harry was born to Harry and Charlotte (Johndrow) Kortkamp on February 3, 1933 in Alton.
He graduated from Alton High School in January 1951 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was deployed in central and eastern Korea as a telephone lineman for military communication. He spent 13 months in Korea and 3 years with the Marines. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in 1954.
Upon leaving the military he started his career as a sheet metal worker. He retired in 1995 after spending most of his career at Camp Electric in Alton.
He married Sarah Wetstein in June 1954. Harry and Sarah were married 46 years until her passing in December 2000.
He is survived by daughters, Vicki (Lee) Eft of Des Moines, IA, Robin (Bob) Bowen of Loudon, TN, and a son, Rich Kortkamp of Godfrey. Also surviving are grandchildren, Mike and Michelle Bowen, Ryan and Ashley Eft, Rachel and Alise Kortkamp, and a great granddaughter, Amber Eft.
Harry was one of 13 children. Surviving him are Pat McIntyre, Tom Kortkamp and Denise Stevenson. He was preceded by his siblings, Marcella Fluck, Dolores Hill, Sharon Seal, Morris Eugene, Roy, Frederick, Gary, Ralph and Paul Kortkamp.
Harry was a member of the Alton VFW Post 1308 and Alton American Legion, as well as Detachment 1160 of the Marine Corp League. He served as Post Commander for the VFW Post from 2010-2015. He touched many lives with his many years of coaching Catholic grade school basketball, girls’ softball, Khoury League baseball and American Legion baseball. He was very instrumental in the start up and formation of the Godfrey Khoury League.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2025 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Father Steve Janoski will officiate. Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Godfrey with full military honors. Memorials may be made to the VFW Post 1308 Ritual Team. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

12/17/2025

Dateline: Wood River

Lesia Michelle “Snapz” Pappas, 62, passed away peacefully at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at her residence in Wood River, Illinois.
Born on July 5, 1963, in Alabama, Lesia lived a life marked by resilience, warmth, and an unmistakable spirit that left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Known affectionately as “Snapz,” she had a vibrant personality, a sharp wit, and a deep love for her family and chosen family alike. She was employed at Terrace Cannabis in Alton, where she was known not just as a coworker, but as a friend.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Christina Michelle; her sons, Vincent and Nicholas, whom she loved fiercely and took great pride in, always believing in their strength and their futures; her life partner, Dan Garrick; and her cherished dog and constant companion, Pretty Boy Floyd from Compton. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Alexander (1995), and her husband, Edward Joseph Pappas III (2005).

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope”— Jeremiah 29:11

She is now at peace, held in God’s promise, and her love continues to shine through those she embraces in spirit. With hope in God’s promise, her family finds comfort in knowing her love endures beyond this life.

A memorial visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Memorials may be made toward the continued care and living expenses of Pretty Boy Floyd. Additional information and an online guestbook are available at

The passing of a loved one is a difficult time. We are here to help you honor and celebrate their life, and to begin the healing process for your family.