Mario Efren Lainfiesta, 69, of Benton, IL passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2018, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

He was born on May 30, 1949, to Mario Aguilar and Ursula Lainfiesta in Belize. He attended school at Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville and graduated with a Masters Degree in Public Administration. Mario worked at the Illinois Department of Human Services. Mr. Lainfiesta was United States Army Veteran.

Mario was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Benton, IL., and the Knights of Columbus. Through out Mario’s life he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his loving family.

Mr. Lainfiesta is survived by his mother, Ursula Lainfiesta; one son, Damian Lainfiesta and wife Beth of Sumner, WA; one granddaughter, Raeann; his dear friend, Paula Lainfiesta; his brothers and sisters, Omar Aguilar, Israel Aguilar, Maureen Turton, Marva Trejo and Araceli Rodriguez; and four close cousins, Christine Staine, Yolanda Witowich, Michael Staine and Ronald Staine.

He was preceded in death by his father, Mario Aguilar; and one brother.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018, 10:00 a.m., at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benton, IL, with Urban Osuji, officiating services.

Memorials contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Robert Edward Miljan, Sr., 91, of Benton, passed away at 12:46 p.m., on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, at Memorial Hospital, Carbondale, IL. 

He was born on September 3, 1926, to Stanley and Johanna (Georgivich) Miljan in Highland Park, MI.  Robert graduated from North Branch High School, North Branch, MI.  He married Betty Ruth Boggs on November 29, 1947, and she proceeded him in death on May 28, 2015.

He graduated from Industrial Training Institute, Chicago, IL., and worked for Buick Motor Division for 14 years. He then worked for Zodys Department Store as a district manager over several stores in the Michigan area. He then joined the Sam Walton Walmart store as store manager in Conway. Robert was promoted to district manager over Walmart stores located in Southern, IL, retiring in April of 1991.

Robert served in the United States Naval Forces during World War II. He enlisted on September 11, 1944 and was discharged June 16, 1946. His highest rank held was Ship’s Cook: Second Class.  The vessels and station he served on were N.T.S. Great Lakes IL, U.S.S. Lamar (APA 47) South Pacific, U.S.S. General R. E. Callan (AP 139), and U.S.S. Kadashan Bay (C.V.E. 76). His service school was completed at N.T. Center in Gulfport, Mississippi. Robert was bestowed with the World War II victory medal, the American Area Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Medal.

Robert was the Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Lifetime member of  3rd and 4th degree of the Knights of Columbus, member of the Boccie Ball Club, Liturgical minister, usher and offertory presenter..

Robert is survived by his four sons, Robert Edward Miljan, Jr. of West Bloomfield, MI, Steven George Miljan of Bowling Green, KY, Bradley Keith Miljan of Benton, IL, Michael David Miljan, Sr. of Spring Lake, MI; daughter, Marsha Ann (Miljan) Reed of Byron, MI; two sisters, Dona (Miljan) Fike, Helen Marelich; several nieces & nephews; four grandsons, Robert Edward Miljan, III of Lansing, MI, Ryan Karl Miljan of Plymouth, MI, Justin Reed of Nashville, TN, Michael David Miljan, Jr. of Oconomowoc, WI; seven granddaughters, Lacie Nicole (Miljan) Wilson of Somerset, KY,  Amber (Miljan) Nason of Cooperville, MI, Amanda Brooke (Miljan) Morel of Bowling Green, KY, Annie (Miljan) Marshall of Beulah, MI, Jamie (Reed) Johnson of Mt. Rose, MI, Ilene (Hensley) Gilmore of West Bloomfield, MI, Amber Hensley of Naples, FL .

He was preceded in death by father, Stanley Miljan, Sr., mother, Johanna Miljan, wife, Betty Ruth Miljan, and brothers, Charles Miljan, and Stanley Miljan, Jr.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, 2018, at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 23, 2018, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25, 2018, at the Swartz Funeral Home, Flint MI with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. A private family viewing will  be held at 9:00 a.m. with a prayer service to follow at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 26, 2018 at the Swartz Funeral Home, Flint, MI. The funeral procession will leave following the prayer service for a graveside service at the New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Flint, MI.

Memorial contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

https://www.franklincounty-news.com/2018/07/20/31534/

Carolene Powenski, 91, of Sesser and former resident of Kalkaska, MI passed away on July 18, 2018 at Mt Vernon Countryside Manor.

She was born on October 12, 1926 in Sesser to Bill and Anna (Zimny) Rozenski.  She married Michael Powenski, Jr. on September 6, 1950 and he preceded her in death on September 22, 2003. Survivors include her two sons David (Sheryl) Powenski of Centralia, Il and Larry (Kathleen) Powenski of Slaughter, LA; grandchildren Zachary (Amber) Kabat of Nashville, IL, Sarah Raymer of Ashley, IL, Andrew (Ariel) Kabat of Scheller, IL; great grandchildren Peyton, Riley, Emmalynn, Avery, and Alaina; one sister Irene Wisnoski of Sesser.

She was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser and also a member of St. Mary of the Wood Catholic Church in Kalkaska, MI.  She loved to read and play the piano.  She graduated with a Master’s Degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA and retired after many years of teaching. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one brother Paul Rozenski.

Funeral services will be on Monday July 23, 2018 at 1:00 PM at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser with Father Urban Osuji officiating.  Visitation will be on Monday from 12:00 PM until 12:45 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.  Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Southern Illinois Honor Flight and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Gwendolyn Risch, 80, of St Louis, MO left her loving family and friends on Saturday July 14, 2018.  She was born in Christopher, IL on September 4, 1937, the daughter of Glen and Lorita Turner. 

Besides her many friends, she leaves behind her sons Eric of Napa, CA and Kurt of Eugene, OR; grandchildren Max, Ansel, Ruby of California, and Cassidy of Oregon; one brother Jim Turner of Christopher, one sister Jane Fiorenzi of Herrin, IL and many adoring nieces and nephews.

After working as an executive secretary and model in St. Louis, she became a homemaker, gourmet cook, accomplished seamstress, oenophilist and world traveler.  She traveled extensively to exotic places on all continents and oceans.  She leaves behind many wonderful memories and shed tears.  She was truly a special lady.

Graveside services will be on Saturday July 21, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Harrison Cemetery in Buckner, IL.  Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Mary Alice Mitchell, 83, of Valier passed away on Monday July 9, 2018.

She was born on August 24, 1934 in McLeansboro, IL to Bill and Violet (Moore) Holland.  She married Darrell Mitchell on February 10, 1996 and he survives of Valier.

Other survivors include her children Lee Wininger of Christopher, Robert Wininger of DuQuoin and June Hogan of Benton; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; four sisters Onis Marie Banks of Benton Harbor, MI and Inis Orr of Orlando, FL, Dottie Holland of Benton, IL and Loretta Williams of Plumfield.

Funeral services will be on Thursday July 12, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the West City Church of God with Pastor Harol Whitlock officiating.  Visitation will be on Wednesday July 11, 2018 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Gilbert Funeral Home and also on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at the church.  Burial will be at Logan Church of God Cemetery.

For more information go to our website at www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com