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Monday 8am - 4pm Tuesday 8am - 4pm Wednesday 8am - 4pm Thursday 8am - 4pm Friday 8am - 4pm Saturday 8am - 1pm

Marks Mortuary, 633 E. Lorena Avenue, Wood River, IL (2026)

02/12/2026

Virginia Gleason
- Wood River

Virginia Lee Gleason, 72, passed away February 8, 2026 at her residence.

Born March 5, 1953 in Alton, she was the daughter of Robert Odell and Mary Lou (Milton) Kenshalo.

Virginia had been employed as a bartender for many years and then as a manager for Jack-in-the-Box in Wood River for 20 years.

She is survived by two daughters, Deanne Gleason of Godfrey, Lacy Gleason of Wood River; 11 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and a nephew, Eric Short.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Johnnie Gleason; three brothers; and a sister, Vickie Emery.

Cremation rites were accorded.

A Memorial Service will be conducted at 2 pm, Saturday, February 14 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.

02/11/2026

Susan Kizer
- East Alton

Susan Diane Kizer, 70, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026 at her home.

Born August 28, 1955 in Highland, she was the daughter of Marion and Catherine (Taylor) Graham.

On June 27, 1973 in Alton, she married James "Jim" Kizer. He died August 12, 2021.

Surviving are a daughter, Holly (Jeff) Marshall of East Alton; step-son, Jay. E. Kizer in Florida; granddaughter, Hailey Holbrook Blair; two brothers, Andy Graham of East Alton, John Graham of Eldred; and a sister, Helen Turner of New Albany, MS.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; granddaughter, Paige Kizer; and sister, Rita Ontis.

Visitation will be from 3-6 pm, Thursday, February 12 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River where services will be conducted at 11 am, Friday. Frank Akers will officiate.

Burial will follow in St. James Cemetery in Edwardsville.

Memorials are suggested to the Diabetes Foundation and American Lung Association.

02/09/2026

Jacosha Bailey
- Alton

Jacosha Dawn Bailey, 51, passed away February 2, 2026 at SSM St. Louis University Hospital.

Born September 10, 1974 in Alton, she was the daughter of Ann Louise Bailey of Grafton and the late Wesley G. Smith.

Surviving is her mother; grandparents, James David and Lora Louise Bailey; three daughters, Shyanna Michelle Stagner, Jayla Nevaeh Deal both of Alton, and Kaylin Kennedy; aunts and uncles, Mark Bailey, Johnny Bailey, Rebecca Ge**er; great aunt, Linda; and cousins, Joshua Bailey, Rhonda Dralle, Georgia McGrath, and Danielle Bailey.

She was preceded in death by her father; grandparents, James D. and Lora L. Bailey; and a sister, Shanna Smith Lyons.

Visitation will be from 1 pm until time of service at 2 pm, Wednesday, February 11 at First Christian Church in Alton. Rev. Jim Johnson will officiate.

Memorials are suggested to the family in care of Shyanna Stagner for expenses.

02/06/2026

Jacqualin Eaton

- Alton

Jacqualin Faye Eaton, 87, passed away February 5, 2026 at LaBella of Alton.

Born January 31, 1939 in Alton, she was the daughter of James Cannon and Nellie (Swan) Stefani.

On November 7, 1959 in Bethalto, she married Donald Eugene Eaton. He died March 10, 2012.

Surviving are three sons, Brad (Connie) Eaton of Hamburg, Rodney (Connie) Eaton of Godfrey, Darren Eaton (Amy Brakhane) of Reeds Spring, MO; five grandchildren, Jarett (Tara), Travis (fiancé, Tanya), Tristan (Jalisa), Tori, Tyler, and Chase; five great grandchildren, Emmett, Aiden, Caleb, Trevor, and Kelan; and two sisters, Ange McVey of Bunker Hill, and Pam Lawson of Medora.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and great granddaughter, Faith.

Visitation will be from 10 am until time of service at 12 pm, Tuesday, February 10 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River. Frank Akers will officiate.

Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

02/04/2026

Mark Middleton
- Alton

Mark Kevin Middleton, 69, passed away January 30, 2026 at his residence.

Born August 27, 1956 in Alton, he was the adopted son of Delmer F. and Pauline C, (Estes) Middleton.

Surviving are a son, Adam Middleton of Breese; three sisters, Debra (Jeff) Meyer of Jerseyville, Catherine Gernigin of Alton, Angela Gernigin of Wood River; and aunt, Mary Fillback of Godfrey.

He was preceded in death by his parents; biological mother, Beverly Gernigin; brother, John Gernigin; and two nephews, Christopher Gernigin and Enos L. Main, Jr.

"Sorry that we didn't get to grow up as siblings, that was taken from us (per grandma's lies). Rest easy and fly high brother. We will meet again and live eternal life together. " ~ Cathy,

Cremation rites were accorded.

No services have been scheduled at this time.

02/03/2026

Dave Essary
- Wood River

David "Dave" Essary, 64, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones on January 29, 2026.

Born September 5, 1961 in Wood River, he was the son of Stell and LaDonne Essary who survive.

Also surviving are his best friend and wife of 31 years, Maggie (Garey) Essary; sisters, Shelley Essary,and Lisa Essary; in-laws, Pat (Bev) Garey, Michele (Sal) Manganelli, Joe Koncz,; nieces and nephews, Katie Terry, Katie Garey (Wayne Wilkes), Lauren Manganelli (Jake Parr), Danny (Julie) Garey, Caroline Koncz (Nick Cosentino), Ryan Manganelli (Tram Dao); great nephews, Jack and Luke Garey, Henry Wilkes; kind neighbor, Diane Dutchik; and great, lifelong friend, Phil Sandbach.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Mae Essary, Joseph and Flora Smith; in-laws, Bob and Connie Garey, Mary Koncz; and many aunts and uncles.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone at Fresenius Health Care, Alton Multispecialists, Alton Memorial Hospital, Christian Hospital Northeast, and American Kidney Foundation for their excellent care and compassion.

A true "Renaissance Man", Dave had many adventures in life. One job afforded him the opportunity to drive locomotives, and another, to fuel airplanes at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Among his passions were cooking, cars, music and everything to do with World War II, of which he was very knowledgeable. In recent years, he enhanced his life by working out at Club Fitness in East Alton, where he made fast friends of the staff and fellow members. Despite his health challenges, he worked tirelessly, and looked forward to meeting the challenge. "The Fighter Still Remains". Dave's sense of humor and wit were just a few of the many things that attracted him to his best friend, Maggie and to all who knew him. Dave was book smart and street smart, kind, compassionate, and dearly loved by all. A life cut short, but a life well lived. He will be greatly missed.

Cremation rites were accorded.

A Celebration of Life memorial will be held at a later date.

01/29/2026

Jessie Shaw
- East Alton

On January 24, 2026 Jessie Shaw went to be with his wife of 59 years, Rose (Rosalie) Shaw, and his savior, Jesus Christ. He passed away peacefully at Barnes Jewish Hospital, after suffering a sudden stroke.

Jessie was born in Gatewood, MO on July 21, 1937 to Myrtle and John Shaw.

He attended high school in Couch, MO. He then joined the Army and served from 1955 to 1958, while stationed in Korea. He later relocated to the Alton, IL area where he then met and married his wife of 59 years on August 31, 1962, Rosalie (Dix) Shaw. She preceded him in death on March 5, 2022.

He worked at Olin casting plant in East Alton, IL as a caster for 33 years before retiring in 1999. He enjoyed retirement as an avid golfer and worked as a ranger at Spencer T. Olin and Belk Park. In his later years, he enjoyed watching Jeopardy, Golf, college basketball and Westerns on TV. He also enjoyed listening to Blue Grass gospel, playing Solitaire, and dinner dates with his children.

Surviving are four children, Ken (Sue) Shaw of St. Louis, MO; Tim (Renae) Shaw of Nokomis, FL; Jesse (Carole) Shaw of Harrisonville, MO; and Lisa (Shaw) Woodard of South Roxana, IL. Also surviving are ten grandchildren, 15 great grand children with one on the way, and three great-great grandchildren, and one sister Henrietta (Shaw) Stephens of Mountain Home, AR; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Rose Shaw, who he missed daily; one daughter, Karin (Shaw) Cleaves who passed on January 8, 2026; five siblings (Joe, Leoma, Viola, Jim and twin brother Merle) as well as his parents.

Cremation will be done by Marks Mortuary.

Burial Ceremony of Jessie and his wife Rose (Rosalie) will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO at a later date.

Memorials may be made to one of the following small 501(c)(3) animal groups: Feral City 4 Feral Kitties, or FOR (Friends of Rescue) Animals.

01/23/2026

Betty Pittman
- East Alton

Betty LaVonne Pittman, 88, passed away Monday, January 19, 2026 at her residence.

Born January 28, 1937 in East Alton, she was the daughter of Rev. Louie and Genevieve (Bragg) Estes.

She had worked as a dental assistant for Drs. Mark West, DMD and Edward St. Peters, DMD for many years before retiring.

On April 12, 1958 at the Forrest Mission Assembly of God Church, she married Charlie G. Pittman. He died January 30, 2013.

Surviving are two sons, Rev. Mark (Nikki) Pittman of Kansas City, MO, David Pittman of East Alton; daughter, LaVonne Timmins of East Alton; seven grandchildren, Jessica (Stephen) Huch, Crystal (Rob) Coleman, Melissa (Kenny) Morales, Mark Allen, II (Emilie) Pittman, Emma Ferron, Isabella Pittman, Genevieve (Gio) Luna; a sister, Judith Morrison of Plainview, IL; adopted son, Dr. Edward St. Peters, DMD.; nieces and nephews, Harold Hagler, William Pittman, Dianne Teal, Kyle Pittman, Robert A. Morrison, Jonathan and Greta Morrison; and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be from 3-6 pm, Thursday, January 29 at East Alton Assembly of God Church where funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 am, Friday. Pastors Mark A. Pittman and James Ho**er will officiate.

Private burial will be in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials are suggested to East Alton Assembly of God Church.

01/19/2026

Wayne Poenitske
- Glen Carbon

Wayne Edgar Poenitske, 85, longtime resident of Wood River, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Meridian Village in Glen Carbon.

Born January 15, 1941 in Chester, IL, he was the son of Edgar A. and Norma L. (Lindenberg) Poenitske who preceded him in death as well his step-mother, Edna Poenitske.

He attended schools in Chester, graduating from Columbia High School in 1959.

Wayne retired after 46 years in January of 2005 as a Sr. Print Buyer for Concordia Publishing House after beginning there in the stock room in 1959. He had been a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River, where he had served as an Elder, Sunday School Superintendent, ushered, sang in the choir, and was in charge of the Lutheran Braille workers group.

On May 2, 1965 at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, he marries Elaine Helmkamp. She survives.

Surviving also are a daughter, Kathryn (Mark) Losch of O' Fallon, IL; son, Brian (Janell) Poenitske of Fairview Heights; three grandchildren, Anthony Losch (fiance', Rebekah McCartney), Ryan Poenitske, and Sarah Poenitske; and a brother, Dennis (Carol) Poenitske in Ocala, FL.

He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren, traveling, watching westerns, and bowling (which he rolled a '300' game).

Visitation will be from 11 am until time of service at 12 pm, Thursday, January 22 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Wood River. Rev. Dr. David Schultz will officiate. The service will be streamed live on Facebook and St. Paul Lutheran Church Website (www.stpaulwoodriver.com)

Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials are suggested to Lutheran Braille Workers or The Lutheran Heritage Foundation.

01/13/2026

David Shaw
- Godfrey

David Lee Shaw, 72, passed away January 10, 2026 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Town and Country.

Born January 27, 1953 in White Hall, IL, he was the son of Cecil Leroy and Doris Jean (Smith) Shaw.

David retired as a Senior Vice President of Operations for Kirby Inland Marine after 38 years in 2011.

On November 2, 1974 in Wood River, he married Rebecca E. Hale. She died October 13, 2011.

He then married Linda MacDowell on December 29, 2012. She survives.

Surviving also are three sons, Brian (Paula) Shaw of Katy, TX, Kevin Shaw of Longview, TX, Jerrad Shaw of East Alton; step-son, Keegan (Laura) Norman of Altamonte Springs, FL; a daughter, Jennifer (Constantino) Ortega of Katy, TX; step-daughter, Kaitlyn Chapman of Godfrey; five grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; brother, Mike Shaw of East Alton; and sister-in-law, Nancy Shaw of East Alton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Rebecca; grandson, Devyn Shaw; granddaughter, River Faith Chapman; and brother, Francis Shaw.

Visitation will be from 11 am until time of service at 12 pm, Friday, January 16 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.

Burial will follow in Woodland Hill Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Feral City 4 Feral Kitties.

01/13/2026

Marion Courtright
- East Alton

Marion Courtright, 86, passed away January 7, 2026, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.

Born March 19, 1939, in Louisville, IL, he was the son of John Marion and Bernice (Headlee) Courtright.

He attended East Alton Wood River Community High School and was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He was a member of Teamsters Local 525 in Alton, IL, and retired with Teamsters Local 916 in Springfield, IL, working many years for ABF Freight.

He was a lifetime member of Wood River Moose Lodge #1349.

Marion was an avid drag racing fan, enjoyed hot rod cars and was a Harley-Davidson enthusiast. He enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinals Baseball and especially enjoyed attending and watching his grandchildren's events. His love for his family was evident to all who knew him.

On July 2, 1960, in Alton, he married Joyce Lee Hendrickson. She survives. Surviving also are two daughters, Lee Ann (Scott) Tweedy, Terri Yerkes all of Wood River; four grandchildren, Lauren (Brad) Read, Brooke Tweedy (Michelle Looker), Cody (Katelin) Yerkes, Dalton Yerkes; four great grandchildren, Grace and Charlie Read, Haiden and Hadley Yerkes; sister, Nancy (Jerry) Haan of Commerce City, CO; brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Marge Hendrickson of East Alton,; sister-in-law, Rose Stengel of Bel Aires, KS; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a special cousin, Karen Huddleston of Harker Heights, TX.

The family would like to thank Liberty Village in Maryville, IL, for all their care and kindness.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 10 am until time of service at 12 pm, Thursday, January 15 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.

Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials are suggested to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

01/10/2026

Daniel Stratman
- O'Fallon, IL

Daniel Mark Stratman, 66, passed away January 9, 2026 at Cedar Ridge Health and Rehab Center in Lebanon, IL.

Born July 26, 1959 in Belleville, he was the son of Roland and Norma (Cobier) Stratman.

Daniel had been a self-employed printer.

Surviving are two sons, Derek Stratman of St. Louis, Dylan Stratman (Ali) of Edwardsville; daughter, Deann (Ben) Leonard of O'Fallon; five grandchildren, Brinley and Brooks Stratman, Evelyn, Cal, and Cole Leonard; and a brother, Roland "Rocky" (Kathy) Stratman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Debbie Gruenewald and Cindy Stratman.

Cremation rites were accorded.

No services have been scheduled at this time.

Marks Mortuary

02/12/2026

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02/09/2026

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01/29/2026

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Monday	8am - 4pm
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