Wilson's Funeral Homes, Ltd

04/21/2026

James Jeremiah

O’FALLON – James Jeremiah, 82, of O’Fallon, IL, formerly of Percy, IL, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Cambridge House of O’Fallon.

James was born on December 17, 1943, a son to Gerald V. and Delvia R. (Tosh) Jeremiah. He married Carol Louise Maes, formerly Carol Louise Hemmen, on August 29, 1980. She preceded him in death on December 24, 2025. James was a retired Musician (Tenor Saxophone Player), Photo Lithographer, and Electronics Technician. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Cutler, IL and formerly active in VFW and American Legion.

James was a devoted husband to Carol for over 45 years. Beloved father, grandfather, and a proud Army Veteran who served in the Vietnam war. He enjoyed hunting and fishing when he was not working. We have fond memories of camping trips, historical site visits, and mushroom hunting. James played in a number of bands over the years including The Chargers, Southern Thunder, and numerous others. He could make the Tenor Sax sing.

James will always be remembered as a loving “Paw Paw” who read stories, snuggled, and loved his grandchildren. His older grandchildren lovingly recall many fond memories of going for rides in the little red wagon pulled by his tractor.

James is survived by his children: James (Debra) Jeremiah, Jr. of Steeleville, IL, Liz Jeremiah (Ginny) Key of O’Fallon, IL; his step children: Jimmy Joe (Kim) Maes of Chester, IL, Mary (Craig) Maes Carder of Dahlonega, GA, Philip (Mary Beth) Maes of Chester, IL; his grandchildren: Will, Ava and Mia Key, Patrick (Destiny) Harley, JD (Brandy) Maes and Sarah Maes, Kristen Maes, Jenna (Darren) Larkin; his great grandchildren: Vincent Jeremiah, Brantley James, McKinley James, Baylee James, Garrett Banfield, Natalee Handsbury, Madison Larkin, Will Larkin, Wade Larkin, Olive Maes, Samantha Maes, Lucas Maes, Nathaniel Maes, Tyree Maes, James Michael Maes; his siblings: Susan (Joe) Jeremiah of Steeleville, MO, Tim (Denise) Jeremiah of Lewisburg, TN, many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, and his beloved cat, Spotty.

James was also preceded in death by his parents, brother, John, grandchildren: Zachary Jeremiah, Chris James; and a great grandchild, Kaley James.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026, 6:00 pm, at Wilson’s Funeral Home, Steeleville, IL, with Pastor Becky Lembke officiating. Visitation will be Thursday evening, April 30, 2026, where friends may call from 5:00 pm until time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be Friday, May 1, 2026, 9:30 am, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO. Memorials may be given to Kaskaskia VFW Post #3553, Chester, IL, and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.

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04/21/2026

Earl E. Ernsting

PERCY – Earl Everett Ernsting, 97, passed away, Monday, April 20, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

Earl was born May 26, 1928, the son of Raymond and Frieda (Meyerhoff) Ernsting, in Campbell Hill, IL. He married Ruby Hornbostel on May 9, 1953, at Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville, IL. She preceded him in death on August 11, 2024. Earl was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during the Korean Conflict. He was retired from Zeigler Coal Co. Earl was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville, B.B.K. American Legion Post #480, Steeleville, Carpenters Local #1361, and U.M.W.A. Local #2161.

Earl enjoyed sharpening tools and trimming trees for all his friends and neighbors. He was an avid hunter, hunting turkey, birds, and deer. Earl had a deep love for his family, they enjoyed 71 years together. He especially enjoyed a 5-generation celebration in 2025 with the birth of a great great grandson.

Earl was one of the friendliest, most generous person you would ever meet. Always asked about everyone’s family and had nothing but kind words to say about everyone. Earl never met a stranger, he would talk to anyone. His caregivers would always say if he thanked us once, he thanked us 100 times. Earl was always thanking someone.

Earl is survived by his children: Tom (Tammy) Ernsting of Campbell Hill, IL, Dale (Tanya Newby) Ernsting of Steeleville, IL, Nancy (D**e) Hamilton of Steeleville, IL; his grandchildren: Crystal (Brian Gibbs) King, Doug (Lisa) Ernsting, Rusty (Taylor) Hamilton, Keith (Emilee) Hamilton, Dakota (Zack) Eggemeyer, Nick Ernsting; his 7 great grandchildren and one on the way, and his great great grandson.

Earl was also preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Howard and John.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, 11:00 am, at Peace Lutheran Church, Steeleville, IL, with Rev. Ken Tegtmeier and Parish Minister Assistant Julie Posth officiating. Burial to follow at Peace Lutheran Cemetery, Steeleville, IL. Visitation will be Friday morning, April 24, 2026, where friends may call from 9:00 am until time of service at the church. Memorials may be given to Peace Lutheran Church and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.

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04/18/2026

Peggy Joyce Baker

NEW ATHENS – Peggy Joyce Baker, 87, of New Athens, IL, was born on August 26, 1938, near Tilden, IL, and passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at her home in New Athens.

She was born the daughter of Wyman and Irene Webster Prest.

Peggy married William David Baker on March 13, 1958, in Hernando, MS. He preceded her in death on April 5, 2018.

She worked 4 years at Watt’s Grocery Store in Tilden while attending Sparta High School. After graduation she attended Central Technical Institute and worked for Braniff International Airways in Kansas City, MO, until her marriage to Bill. After the children were in school, she worked nearly 23 years as office secretary at the Marissa Elementary School.

Peggy and Bill enjoyed many years camping with their children as they grew up. During their retirement they especially loved spending their winters and summers in Florida and Colorado in their RV. They were avid followers of Big Band Ballroom Dancing.

Peggy is survived by children, Jeffrey (Marlene) Baker of Sparta, Gregory (Janet) Baker of Marissa, and Diane (Mark) Meyerhoff of Sparta; grandchildren, Matthew (Danielle) Rayoum, Matthew (Trish) Baker, Drew Ferguson, Christopher (Jamie) Baker, Megan Meyerhoff, and Justin (Jordan) Meyerhoff; and great grandchildren, Wyatt Baker, Elliot Baker, Rylee Klingeman, Jase Klingeman, Levi Baker, Walker Meyerhoff, Lexi Rayoum, Lucas Rayoum, and Colbi Rayoum.

She was also preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Lyndon Prest.

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Tilden Presbyterian Church, Tilden, IL, with Rev. Dr. Dennis A. Hamilton officiating. Burial will follow in the Marissa Township Cemetery, Marissa, IL. Visitation will be at the Tilden Presbyterian Church on Thursday from 9 am until 11 am. Memorials may be given to Pioneers, a mission organization in Orlando, Florida, that Peggy’s granddaughter works with in Africa.

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04/16/2026

Melvin Dean Lampe

Melvin Dean Lampe, 93, of Jackson, Missouri died Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Mercy Hospital Southeast. He was born June 12, 1932 in Campbell Hill, IL to Theodore and Elenora (Rathert) Lampe.

Mel grew up in Campbell Hill, IL and graduated from Trico High School.

He and Rita Mae Wehrheim were married August 2, 1952 in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Mel, who served in the United States Air Force, was stationed in El Paso, TX until employment took them to Chester, IL and then Lancaster, CA, where they were members of Grace Lutheran Church and Mel's career spanned 35 years at McDonnell-Douglas as an Instrument technician and supervisor in Flight Test. They moved to Lexington Park, MD in 1965, until work moved them back to California in 1967. They moved to and lived in OFallon from 1972-1990, where they were members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. In 1991, they retired to Whispering Valley Lakes in New Haven, MO, where they were members of Trinity Lutheran Church. Mel and Rita moved to Jackson, MO in 2000, where they became members of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, in Cape Girardeau.

Mel was a devoted husband and caretaker to Rita and great father. They were faithful servants in the church family's where they attended. Melvin and Rita loved family and extended families and cherished many friendships through the years of travel and work. Mel enjoyed various hobbies including photography, electronics, and landscaping.

Survivors include daughter, Pam (Randy) Kluesner of Cape Girardeau, MO; son, Jeff (Veronica) Lampe of St. Ann, MO; brother, Leonard Lampe; two sisters, Darlene Kraft, Loretta Luedeman; sister-in-law, Donna Parker; many loved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by wife and parents; two brothers-in-law, Danny Kraft, Wayne Luedeman; sister-in-law, Arlene Lampe.

Visitation will be 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Chapel in Cape Girardeau.

Visitation will continue 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Wilson's Funeral Home in Steeleville, IL.

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Wilson's Funeral Home in Steeleville, IL. Burial will be at Paradise Cemetery in Bremen, IL.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, MO or Saxony Lutheran High School, Jackson, MO.

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04/14/2026

Wayne Roberts

CARBONDALE - Wayne Roberts, age 90, of Carbondale, formerly of Campbell Hill, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family following a brief illness.

Wayne was born on September 14, 1935, in Campbell Hill to Harold “Hoopie” and Beulah Garver Roberts. He often joked that he lived his entire life within a two-mile stretch—born one mile south of Campbell Hill and spending most of his years one mile north. On August 12, 1961, he married the love of his life, Ruth Giffin, and together they shared 64 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

Wayne is survived by his devoted wife, Ruth, of Carbondale; his son, Steve (Carol) Roberts of Glen Allen, VA; his daughter, Diane (Chuck) Summerlin of Makanda, IL; and his greatest joys in life—his four beloved granddaughters, Kayla Roberts of Seattle, WA, Kendra (Tony) Geroulis of Phoenix, AZ, Ella Summerlin of Edmond, OK, and Averie Summerlin of St. Louis, MO, siblings, John Roberts of Campbell Hill and Mary Lou Gander of Marion. Wayne’s family meant everything to him, and he was unwavering in his pride and admiration for them. He delighted in sharing stories about his granddaughters with anyone who would listen, often reminding Ruth how blessed they were to have “four amazing granddaughters.” Known lovingly as Dad, Grandpa, Papa, or Pataw, Wayne was deeply cherished by his family, who will forever hold him in their hearts.

Wayne was a Veteran of the United States Army. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ava and attended The Ridge Church in Carbondale. He loved to play pinochle with the Wednesday Senior Pinochle group in Ava. He was a member of the Belgian Draft Horse Association and the Jackson County Farm Bureau.

Wayne’s legacy is one of kindness, humor, and of course, livestock. He didn’t want atraditional funeral service, preferring instead a gathering where family and friends, led by his adored granddaughters, could come together to remember him through laughter, love, and the sharing of tales from his remarkable life. And oh, were there stories to tell.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held during the summer, a season he loved, where his family and friends can gather in remembrance of a man who lived life fully and whose impact will be felt for generations to come. Memorials may be made to The Ridge Church, First Baptist Church of Ava, or to St. Judes and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.

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04/14/2026

Charles D. Schott

AVA – Charles D. Schott, 73, of Ava, IL, passed away on Saturday, April 11, 2026, surrounded by his family, at his daughter’s home in Marion, IL.

Charles was born February 5, 1953, in Murphysboro, IL to William and Stella Underwood Schott. He married Brenda Reichrath on November 2, 1973, in Oraville, IL. Charles was retired from Penn Aluminum, Murphysboro, IL, Jackson County EMT, Ava City Council, Trico School District Bus Monitor, Maytag Repairman, and Vergennes Fire Department. He was a member of Kinkaid Christian Fellowship Church, Ava, IL, Volunteer Fireman/First Responder, Ava, IL, and the Christian Motorcycle Association.

Charles is survived by his wife, Brenda Schott of Marion, IL, his children: Sarah (Carl) Miller of Marion, IL, William R. (Kimberly Fleehart) Schott; his grandchildren: Brendan Stearns (Candace Silvey), Jimmy Roth; his great grandson, Jenson Stearns, his step grandchildren, Lucas and Noah, his sister-in-law, Raetta Blessing of Quincy, IL, brother-in-law, Jimmy (Cindy) Reichrath of Murphysboro, IL, and his sister-in-law, Tina (Eddie) Wright of Lake of Egypt, IL.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Carol, his grandson, Charles “Mikey” Stearns, and his niece, Julie McMurray.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, 11:00 am, at Kinkaid Christian Fellowship Church, Ava, IL, with Rev. Jason Harrison officiating. Burial to follow at Ava Evergreen Cemetery, Ava, IL. Visitation will be Friday morning, where friends may call from 9:00 am until time of service at the church. Memorials may be given to Kinkaid Christian Fellowship Church and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.

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04/03/2026

03/31/2026

Carl Dean Weston

MURPHYSBORO – Carl Dean Weston, 82, of Murphysboro, IL, passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at DuQuoin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, DuQuoin, IL.

Carl was born March 21, 1944, in Murphysboro, IL to Orpha John and Anna Sweet Weston. He married Charlotte L. Smith Eisenhauer in 1979, she passed away on July 27, 2020. Carl then married Joyce Overall Love in 2022, she passed away on October 12, 2025. Carl was a Veteran of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict. He was a Carpenter.

Carl is survived by his niece, Jessica (Dallas) Terry of DuQuoin, IL and her daughter, Mackinzie Terry, his nephew, James (Brittany) Weston of DuQuoin, IL, his sister-in-law, Carolyn Weston of DuQuoin, IL, his son-in-law, Dale (Teresa) Johnson of Ava, IL, his granddaughter, Britany Johnson, and his great grandson, Hunter.

Carl was also preceded in death by his parents and ten siblings.

Memorials may be given to the Family, to be used towards a Headstone and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907. To sign the guest book, visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net.

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03/31/2026

Bernie L. Hubert

STEELEVILLE – Bernie L. Hubert, 88, of Steeleville, IL, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

Bernie was born April 23, 1937, in Lively Grove, IL to Lawrence A. and Amelia Walta Hubert. He married Judy Jany on November 3, 1962, in Chester, IL. Bernie was a Veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Sparta, IL, Knights of Columbus Council #6577, Sparta, IL and BBK American Legion Post 480, Steeleville, IL. Bernie enjoyed gardening.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Judy Hubert, of Steeleville, IL, his children: Raymond Hubert, of Steeleville, IL, Linda Hubert, of Steeleville, IL, Brenda (Bryan) Clauser, of St. Peters, MO; his grandchildren: Audra Schatte, Ethan Schatte, Hannah Angleton, Emily Schatte, Ameliah Hubert, Kyle Clausen, Rhett Clausen; and his great granddaughter, Maggie Schatte.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Rhonda, 4 brothers: Robert, Ed, Lawrence, Victor; and 2 sisters, Minnie Richards and Catherine Krantz.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 11:00 am, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Sparta, IL, with Father Charles Anynoku officiating. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Chester, IL. Visitation will be Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026, where friends may call from 10:00 am until time of service at the church. Memorials may be given to St. Judes Children’s Hospital and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.

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03/28/2026

Charlotte L. Gasser

SPARTA – Charlotte L. Gasser, 97, of Sparta, Illinois, passed away at 4:45 am, Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Coulterville Care Center.

Charlotte was born in Spencer County, Indiana, on August 22, 1928, the daughter of Paul and Blanche Bosler Jochim. She married Andrew Frank Gasser on October 21, 1948, in Huntingburg, Indiana. He preceded her in death on April 4, 1992. Charlotte was a Homemaker. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Sparta and the St. Ann’s Altar Sodality. She enjoyed playing cards and doing needle work.

Charlotte is survived by her children: Mike (Connie) Gasser of Bremen, IL; Diana (Steven) Cote of O'Fallon, IL; Steve (Susan) Gasser of St. Pete Beach, FL; Tim (Amy) Gasser of Coulterville, IL; and Jim (Kim Shrum) Gasser of Steeleville, IL; her grandchildren, Ashley (Michael) Deutschmann, Jillian (Benton) Ferguson, Luke Gasser, Cameron Gasser, Brooke Dunn, Colton Dunn, Haley Shrum, and Trevor Shrum. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Jaden Reid and Maxwell Deutschmann.

Charlotte was also preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Heather Gasser; four sisters and two brothers, Alice, Rudy, Rea, Gene, Elmer and Florence.

Mrs. Gasser’s wishes were for anatomical donation to St. Louis University School of Medicine and a Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, 11:00 am, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Sparta, IL, with Father Charles Anynoku officiating. Visitation will be Monday morning, where friends may call from 9:00 am until time of service. Rosary will be at 10:30 am. Memorials may be given to St. Ann’s Altar Sodality or Masses, and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.

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