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Pagel Funeral Homes, 100 N Olive Street, Saint Elmo, IL (2026)

03/10/2026

Della Alice Stewart, age 91, of St. Elmo, Illinois, passed away Monday, March 09, 2026 at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at St. Elmo Christian Church in St. Elmo, Illinois. Interment will follow at Springhill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the start of service. Pastor Jim Quick will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Springhill Cemetery, St. Elmo Christian Church, or St. Elmo Fire Department. Online condolences may be left at www.pagelfuneralhome.com
Della was born on May 13, 1934, in Loudon Township, the daughter of Velma Marie Bartimus. Della grew up in Wright’s Corner, attending Wright School and notably graduating from SECHS at the age of sixteen. After meeting the love of her life at the St. Elmo Theatre, she married Richard William “Bill” Stewart on June 11, 1950 at the Brownstown Christian Church, where the Reverend Harry Kay officiated. Della and Bill were members of the Christian Church for many years, serving and giving back in different ways. She spent many years as a member of the Royal Neighbors of America Local #5784, in which she focused on giving back to the community through fundraising and philanthropy, and served in the capacity of President for over 25 years. She adored crocheting, and spent many hours designing and making treasures for those she loved, including providing handmade winter stocking hats for the St. Elmo School District. Her favorite flower was a yellow rose, which symbolizes the friendship she shared with everyone who knew and loved her. She worked at the Fayette County Hospital as a nursing assistant before spending the majority of her career with Tupperware. She worked for over 30 years in Tupperware sales, eventually rising to the rank of Executive Manager. Della was a homemaker, and a Girl-Scout leader, and loved giving back to her community, and was even recognized as St. Elmo’s 2022 Citizen of the Year.
She is survived by her sons, Lyle Stewart of Robinson and David Stewart of St. Elmo; daughters, Cheyral Stewart-Stein of St. Elmo (companion Eric Cook) and Jill Stewart (husband Phil Nieske) of Urbana; grandchildren, Jared Stein, Stacie Stewart, and Michael Stewart; great-grandchildren, Jacob Stein, Shane Stewart, and Zachery Stein; and great-great-grandchildren, Myah, Kaden, Noah, Jaxon, Grayson, and Josie.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Richard William “Bill” Stewart; grandson, Robert Stewart; mother, Velma Marie Lilly; son-in-law, Alan Stein, and daughter-in-law, Carolyn Stewart.

03/02/2026

Charlotte June Lewis, age 90, of Farina, Illinois passed away Thursday, February 26, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her loving family.
Funeral service will be at held Pagel Funeral Home, Edgewood, Illinois, on Saturday March 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to start of service. Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Effingham, Illinois. Brad Frye will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Chance Animal Rescue, Vandalia, Illinois, Parkinson Foundation, or donor’s Choice. Online condolences can be left at www.pagelfuneralhome.com
Charlotte was born in Kinmundy, Illinois, the daughter of Earl “Bud” Feather and Imogene Puffer Feather. She married Leonard Lewis on August 28, 1954, in Alma, Illinois. They were married for 55 years. They met through work at Brown Produce. Charlotte always told the story that she saw Leonard and said that’s the guy I’m going to marry. She enjoyed crafting and making floral wreaths. She was a homemaker for most of her life. She worked odds and end jobs to help pay bills. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.
She is survived by her son, Mike (wife, Peggy) of Labadie, Missouri; two daughters, Julie (husband, John) Traub of Dieterich, Illinois, Jeana (husband, Jeff) Lotz of St. Peter, Illinois; six grandchildren, Jessica (husband, Cody) Martin of Dieterich, Illinois, Tyson Lotz of Maplewood, Missouri, Lauren (husband Tim) Goss of Pacific, Missouri, Jordan (husband, Brad) Jansen of Mason, Illinois, Krista Sharp of Vandalia, Justine Traub of Dieterich, Illinois; Eight Great-Grandchildren, Charlee, Camdyn, Callan and Curran Jansen, Asher and Harper Martin, and Quentin and Spencer Sharp, and a niece and two nephews.
Charlotte was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard, her parents, Earl and Imogene Feather, and her sister, Ann Henson.

02/27/2026

Marilyn “Biff” Joy Sproat, age 92, of the Lutheran Care Center, Altamont, Illinois, formerly of St. Elmo, passed away at 12:06 p.m. on Wednesday February 25, 2026, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, Effingham, Illinois, surrounded by her loving family.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.pagelfuneralhome.com
Marilyn was born June 29, 1933, in Vandalia, Illinois, the daughter of Lawrence Adam Abbott and Minnie Elizabeth Abbott nee Heather. She married Jack Sproat on November 10 th , 1951, in Vandalia, Illinois. She spent many years self-employed as a tax preparer. She enjoyed reading books, visiting with friends and family, and loved to walk through graveyards, looking at different stones. Over the years, she served the St. Elmo community and the Lord in many ways. She was a Sunday School teacher, on the Board of the St. Elmo Library and the First United Methodist Church of St. Elmo.

She is survived by two sons, Mark Sproat (wife Lisa) of Glen Ellyn, Illinois and Dave Sproat of Lisle, Illinois; two daughters, Beth Feezel of Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Sally Sproat of Las Vegas, Nevada; Mardeanna Meadows-Sproat beloved former daughter in
law of Effingham; grandchildren, Bennett and Tim Sproat, Paige and Logan Meltabarge (wife, Bailey), Reagan (husband, Matthew)Hanson, Payton (fiance, Garrett Hoene) Sproat, Mike (wife, Tina) Feezel, Matt (wife, Tracy) Feezel, Jennifer (husband, Josh) Malwick, Julie (husband, Johnny) Bradam, numerous great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents, Lawrence and Minnie, and sisters and brothers in law Fern and Ralph Sperry, Madelyn and Charlie Metzger, Marjorie “Marky” and Willard Grubaugh, Opal and Charles McNeely and Oral and Lester
Forbes.

02/26/2026

Martha Ann Bushue, age 101, of Mason, Illinois, passed away at 9:46 a.m. on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Lutheran Care Center, Altamont, Illinois, surrounded by her loving family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Edgewood, Illinois at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 2, 2026. Interment will follow at St. Anne's Catholic Cemetery in Edgewood, Illinois. Father Ron Lorilla will be officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 01, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Pagel Funeral Home, Edgewood, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anne Catholic Church in Edgewood, Altamont Lutheran Care Center, or the donor's choice. Online condolences may be left at www.pagelfuneralhome.com
Martha Ann was born December 2, 1924, the daughter of Louis Willenborg and Emma (Westendorf) Willenborg in Spring Point Township, Illinois. She married Earl J. Bushue on February 10, 1945, in Lillyville, Illinois.
Martha Ann is survived by her children; Earleen Cashill of Alton, Illinois, Joseph L. (wife, Betty Jean) Bushue of Mason, David (wife, Jeanne) Bushue of Mason, Illinois, Patricia (husband, Roger) Kreke of Mason, Illinois, Thomas (wife, Julie) Bushue of St. Elmo, Illinois, Pauletta (husband, Roger) Bushur of Mason, Illinois, Stephen (wife, Cindy) Bushue of Mason, Illinois, Mark (wife, Janet) Bushue of Altamont, Illinois, 18 Grandchildren, 28 Great-Grandchildren, 7 Great-Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews
She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl, her parents, Louis and Emma Willenborg, grandchildren; Joseph C Bushue, Maria Carter, brothers; Virgil Willenborg, Rueben Willenborg, sisters; Pauline Holding, Dorothy Verdeyen, Nellie Donsbach, Son-in-laws; Ronald Cashill, Frank Wildgrube

02/23/2026

Gary Neil Washburn, age 77, of Effingham, Illinois passed away, Sunday, February 22, 2026, in his home, surrounded by loved ones.
Funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Pagel Funeral Home, Edgewood, Illinois with visitation one prior to the start of service. Richard Artis will be officiating. Burial will take place in the Edgewood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Pagel Funeral Home, Edgewood, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the donor’s choice.
Gary was born October 11, 1948, in Paris, Illinois, the son of Gerald N. Washburn and Gilberta “Madge” (Thompson) Washburn. He married Margaret Webster on November 3, 1997, in Effingham, Illinois. Gary enjoyed collecting and shooting guns, camping, and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of the NRA and Effingham County Sportsman’s club. He retired after 35 years of employment at the Newton Power Plant.
He is survived by his wife; Margaret Washburn of Effingham, Illinois, children; Tammie (husband, Kelly) Line of Effingham, IL; Shawn (wife, Crystal) Washburn of Martinsville, IL; Brian (wife, Amy) Washburn of Martinsville, IL; Kelli Washburn of Georgetown, IL; Anthony (wife, Lathie) Washburn of Elgin, IL, brothers: Leon Washburn of Tolono, IL; David (wife, Regina) Washburn of Martinsville, IL, grandchildren; Jessica Wolfert, Devin Wolfert, Kody Line, Kage Line, Bryant Washburn, Blaine Washburn, Shawna Lowe, Payne Washburn, Storm Washburn, Naomi Washburn, Ruby Washburn, Jude Washburn, 9-great-grandchildren, step-children, former step-children, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded by his parents, Gerald and Madge Washburn

02/21/2026

Jason W Bowen, age 40, of Farina, Illinois, passed away at 7:49 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Salem Township Hospital, Salem, Illinois.
Funeral Service will take place on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at the Pagel Funeral Home, Edgewood, Illinois. Burial will take place in Keens Chapel Cemetery, Farina, Illinois. Kevin Kriesel will be officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to start of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left at www.pagelfuneralhome.com
Jason was born on August 21, 1985, the son of Robert and Corletta (Embry) Bowen. He married Ashley (Pontious) Bowen on December 13, 2008, at the Edgewood Christian Church, Edgewood, Illinois. Jason was a firefighter with Farina Fire Department, also he was Assistant Chief at Edgewood Fire Dept. for 12 of his 22 years with the fire service. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing on his excavators, riding dirt bikes, crashing derby cars, and spending time with nieces and nephews. Family was the cornerstone of his life.
Jason is survived by his parents; Robert and Corletta Bowen of Edgewood, Illinois, Wife; Ashley Bowen of Farina, Sons; Levi Bowen of Farina, Illinois, Jacob Bowen (girlfriend Alli Koester), Jason Bowen and Rodney Bowen still at home, brother; Colby (wife, Allison) Bowen of Edgewood, Illinois, father-in-law; Ralph Pontious, sister-in-law; Macci (husband, Jacob) Long of Altamont, Illinois, nieces and nephews; Zaiden Lock, Gannon Lock, Dalayna O’Hara, Paisley Long, Lilliana Bowen, Jameson Bowen. Also, his beloved cat Richard.
Jason was preceded in death by; Brother, Nathan Bowen, his Paternal Grandparents, Edsel and Patricia Bowen; Maternal grandparents, William and Betty Embry; Mother-in-Law; Tracie Pontious, Brother-in-Law; Zach Lock, Niece; Makenna Bowen.

02/16/2026

Laverne Schaefer, age 79, of St. Peter, Illinois passed away Saturday, February 14, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.
Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Pagel Funeral Home in St. Peter, Illinois. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2026 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in St. Peter, Illinois with a visitation one hour prior to service. Rev. Ryan Meyer will be officiating. Interment will be at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorials may go to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com
Laverne was born on January 16, 1947, in Fayette County, Illinois, the son of Albinus and Edna (Magnus) Schaefer. He was retired from farming and raising cattle. He enjoyed attending and assisting with auctions. He was the current owner of Schaefer’s Bar & Grill in St. Peter.
He is survived by nephew, Duane Schaefer of Springfield, IL; nieces, Dee (Troy) Scott of Brownstown, Stacy (John) Kuebler, of Altamont, and Jenna (Jeff) Hunt, of Altamont; sisters-in-law, Belva Schaefer of St. Peter and Shirley Schaefer of Altamont; great-nephews, Daton (Jenny) Scott, Coleman (Ashton) Scott, Hoyten Scott of Brownstown, Jayten Hunt of Altamont, Caleb (Tiffany) Kuebler of St. Elmo; seven great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albinus and Edna Schaefer, and brothers, Lloyd and Leon Schaefer.

02/16/2026

Michael Thomas “Mike” Macklin, age 60, of Mason, Illinois, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026 at his home in Mason, Illinois.
Funeral service will be at 3:00 PM on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Mason Christian Church in Mason, Illinois, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Mark White will be officiating. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Mason Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pagel Funeral Home, 100 N Olive, St. Elmo, Illinois, to assist the family with final expenses. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com.
Michael was born on October 29, 1965 in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Danny J. Macklin and Mary Lou Althoff. He married his beloved wife, Tamela “Tammy” Williamson-Bierman on June 24, 2017 in Effingham, Illinois. He lived a life marked by energy, love, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys that made each day meaningful.
Mike dedicated his career to serving others as a Radiologic Technologist for over 33 years. He graduated from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale in 1993. He took pride in his work and in the relationships, he built along the way. He was known at work for playing “Who Sings It?,” bringing laughter and lighthearted competition to his coworkers and always the first to celebrate someone’s accomplishments.
Energetic and loving, Mike found happiness outdoors fishing, walking through the woods, working on outdoor and house projects with his son, Ryan, and gardening. He loved playing pinochle with family, losing at Trivia, and couldn’t pass up a competitive game of pickleball. His other hobbies included being a part- time fish fryer alongside his brother at Danny’s Bar & Grill. Whether he was saying, “I have the time,” or smiling and declaring he was “Living the Dream,” he approached life with a spirit that reminded others to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Tamela “Tammy” S. Macklin (Williamson-Bierman); his children, Ryan Macklin of Champaign, Meghan Klingenberg of Altamont, Kate Klingenberg of Altamont, Lucas Bierman of California, Stefanie Bierman of Dieterich, Melinda Kimmer (Bierman) of Durand, MI, and Sarah Niebrugge (Bierman) and her husband John of Altamont. He was a proud grandfather to Kaden, Hunter, Noah, Atlas, Adele, Claudia, Meridian and Daphne, each of whom brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his mother Mary Lou Klein (Althoff) and her husband John; siblings, Bill Macklin of Effingham, Cheryl Beam (Charles) of Effingham, Steve Klein (Mary) of Farina, and Jim Klein (Julie) of Dieterich.
Mike was preceded in death by his father, Danny J. Macklin.
More than anything, Mike will be remembered for his warmth, his humor, and the way he made the people around him feel seen and valued. His legacy lives on in the family he loved deeply and in the countless memories shared around card tables, wooded trails, side by side rides, and family gatherings.

02/13/2026

Ronald Ray Ashbaugh, age 84, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away on January 27, 2026 in Effingham, Illinois.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Pagel Funeral Home in Edgewood, Illinois, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Arborcrest Memorial Park. Pastor Kent Robinson will be presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com.
Ronnie was born on May 24, 1941 in Effingham County, Illinois the son of Vaughn “Joe” Ashbaugh and Catherine Slifer. He married Connie Hager in April 1966 at the Edgewood Christian Church. Ronnie was proud to serve his country in the United States Army Reserve. He worked as a carpenter for most of his life, building 40 plus homes in his professional career. He ran into health troubles in 1982 which stopped his building, but not his woodworking or hunting. He loved bird hunting, especially turkeys, and was a proud member of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Ronnie was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and loved watching them play baseball. While he was an only child and had no children of his own, he was dearly loved by extended family and friends, whom he also loved dearly.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his wife, Connie Ashbaugh; and his parents, Vaughn and Catherine Ashbaugh.
Ronnie’s loved ones would like to send their appreciation to the staff of Evergreen Nursing and Rehabilitation, who made his home away from home very comfortable. They also wish to express their thanks to Jalen Carrillo and his crew from hospice.

02/10/2026

Roberta Angeline Forbes, age 85, of St. Elmo, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in her home in St. Elmo, Illinois.
Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in the Springhill Cemetery, rural St Elmo, Illinois. Tim Caraway will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Springhill Cemetery or donor’s choice.
Roberta was born in Loudon Twp, on April 9, 1940, the daughter of John D. and Goldie A. (Tucker) Williams. She married Hadley R. Forbes in St. Elmo, Illinois on August 11, 1962. She was a member of the Connection Church, St. Elmo, Illinois. Roberta enjoyed sewing, crocheting, quilting, and doing crafts. She loved spending time with her family and meeting her friends for monthly lunch dates.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law; LaQuita Forbes of Beecher City, Illinois, Brother; John J. (wife, Carol) of Effingham, Illinois, sister; Iva Dean Jones of Decatur, Illinois, Granddaughter; Lindsay (husband, Andrew) Jones of Beecher City, Illinois; Great-grandsons; Hudson and Logan Jones of Beecher City, Illinois; numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded by her husband, Hadley, son, Jeffrey Lee Forbes, brothers; Ray W. Williams and Delbert D. Williams, Sisters; Charlotte Engel, Joyce Singletary, Sharon Myers.

02/09/2026

Helen Louise Cox, age 83, of Farina, Illinois, passed away at her home, surrounded by her family, on Friday, February 6, 2026.

Graveside service will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., Keen’s Chapel, Farina, Illinois. Brenda Byers will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be to St Judes Children’s Research hospital. Online condolences may be left at www.pagelfuneralhome.com

Helen was born November 3, 1942, in Mason, Illinois, the daughter of Lester and Myrtle (Hites) Sapp. She married Kenneth “Tom” E. Cox on December 9, 1961, the Christian Church in Edgewood, Illinois. Helen enjoyed reading, doing word puzzles and spending time with grandchildren.

She is survived by three daughters; Tammy Brown (husband, Mike) of Watson, Illinois, Marjorie Haynes (husband, Gregory) of Streator, Illinois and Stacey Simmons (husband, Paul) of LaClede, Illinois; brother; Mike Sapp (wife, Sarah) of Virginia; sisters; Janine Johnson of Effingham, Illinois, Glenda Warner of Farina, Illinois, Becky Stallings, of Edgewood, Illinois; 6 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-children.

She was preceded by her husband, Tom, her parents, Lester and Myrtle, brothers; Charles Sapp, Bob Sapp, Virgil Sapp, Gerald Sapp, Phil Sapp, sisters; Debbie Fender, Rosemary Cox, Delilah Nygaard.

02/04/2026

Gerald Eugene Kuhlman, Sr., age 87, of Mason, Illinois passed away on Monday,
February 2, 2026 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Effingham.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM at
Arborcrest Cemetery in Effingham, Illinois. Military rites will be observed. Mark White will
be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mason Christian Church or
the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at
www.pagelfuneralhome.com.
Gerald was born on June 30, 1938 in Effingham County, Illinois, the son of John and
Marcella (Eident) Kuhlman. He married his sweetheart Judy Ullrich on June 9, 1964 at
the old Mason Christian Church. He served his country in the United States Army, and
after being honorably discharged, worked at Fedders for almost 50 years. Gerald
served as a Mason Township Trustee for many years. He loved his family dearly, and in
almost every picture he can be seen holding one of his grandkids or great-grandkids.
Gerald was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, even when they were playing terribly. He
also loved gardening and mushroom hunting, and the outdoors in general. He was even
known to take a nap outside in the yard once in a while. He always looked forward to
Sunday dinners with his family, and his presence will be dearly missed by all who knew
and loved him.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Judy Kuhlman of Mason, Illinois; son, Gerald E.
Kuhlman, Jr. of Effingham; daughters, Julie Pontious (Norman) of Mason and Joyce
Donsbach (Steve) of Mason; 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brother, Dewey
Dean Kuhlman of Effingham; sisters, Barbara Jones of Farina, Linda Edwards of
Effingham, and Judy Austin (Danny) of Mason; and son-in-law, Sterling Walden.
He was preceded in death by his daughters, Candy Walden and Mary (in infancy);
granddaughter, Megan Pontious; parents, John and Marcella Kuhlman; brothers, Junior
Kuhlman and John E. Kuhlman; and sisters, Mary Carpenter, Norma Jean Van Meter,
Alice O’Leary, Emma Austin, and Carol Fancher.

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