Richard “Dick” Dean Stritzel, 85, of Christopher, passed away on Wednesday March 27, 2024 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

He was born on May 24, 1938 in St Louis, MO to Frank and Mae (Husky) Stritzel. He married Carolyn Lee Ann Stritzel on May 30, 1963 and she preceded him in death on May 15, 2023.

He is survived by his daughters Lori (Dennis) Tindall of Mulkeytown, Kellie (Scott) Bast of Chesterfield, MO, Julie (Vas) Sabeeh of Phoenix, AZ and Holly Helfrich of Christopher; grandchildren Kati (Steve) Borta, Matt (Leighann) Thomas, Rachel (Jeremy) Chaney, Jacob (Niki) Tindall, Chloe Bast, Audrey Bast, Miles Sabeeh, Simone Sabeeh, Rollin Sabeeh, Ryan Helfrich, Jack Helfrich and Sam Helfrich; great grandchildren Jaxon, Charley, Gwen, Evan, Ryleigh, MeMe, Luke, Wyatt and Khloe; siblings Larry (Carolyn) Stritzel of Valier, Marilyn (Richard) Wall of Trenton, IL and David (Becky) Stritzel of Diamond Head, MS.

Dick was a school teacher and had taught at West Frankfort High School and John A. Logan College and Rend Lake College. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Christopher.

Funeral services will be on Thursday April 4, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

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

Arlie Sam Kraft, 99, of Benton passed away Saturday evening March 30, 2024 at StoneBridge Nursing & Rehab Center in Benton.

He was born in Franklin County, IL on December 31, 1924 the son of Emil & Lettie (Neunlist) Kraft.

Mr. Kraft married Lenora Faye (Struble) and she preceded him in death on June 18, 2020 after 73 years of marriage.

Mr. Kraft served 2 years in World War II and 2 years in Korea serving with the US Army. Mr. Kraft along with his wife loved camping, gardening, his family and his grandchildren. He worked for Taylor Motors & Foley Sweitzer for over 50 years until they closed.

Mr. Kraft is survived by his:
4 Sons:
Sam Kraft of Benton
Gary Kraft & wife Debby of Benton
Scott Kraft of Benton
Chris Kraft & wife Teresa of Benton
Grandchildren:
Jennifer Kraft
Brandon Kraft & Samantha
Cody Kraft & Christine
Sheena & Courtney
Mike Kraft & Mercedes
Samantha Kraft

Several Great-Grandchildren
8 Great-Great-Grandchildren

Mr. Kraft was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, Daughter-in-law-Linda Kraft, 1 Brother-Rollie E. Kraft and his wife Jeane.
A Graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, April 3rd at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Military Rites will be conducted by the Benton American Legion Post #280 & VFW Post #2671 There will be No Visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Lorene Rebecca Jones peacefully passed away on March 28, 2024, at the age of 100, in Whittington, IL.

Lorene was born in Centralia, IL on July 8, 1923, the daughter of Claud Britton and Jessie Atwell. She married Orval Jones on July 22, 1941.

Lorene was a woman of strong faith and dedication. She was a charter member and one of the founding members of Immanuel Baptist Church. Known for her exceptional homemaking skills, Lorene shared her passion for cooking and serving others when she owned and operated Burton’s Cafe in Whittington. After her restaurant days, she enjoyed traveling, fishing, and camping with her husband, Orval, and spending time with family and friends.

Lorene is survived by her loving daughter, Nancee Paul, son Bob (Shirley) Jones, grandsons Brad Paul, Jeff (Stephanie) Jones, Kevin (Becky) Jones, great-grandchildren Cydney (Ty) Taborn, Nathan Paul, Noah (Amy) Jones, Logan Jones, Kaden Jones, Kolton Jones. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 74 years, Orval Jones, and her parents.
Graveside funeral services will be held at the Shiloh Cemetery on Saturday, March 30, at 1 pm. The burial will follow immediately after. Those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church. Lorene will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
For more information please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Darrell Eugene Simion, 85, of Christopher, IL, died at home on Wednesday March 27, 2024.

He was born November 24, 1938 in Christopher to Opal (Roberts) and Rudy Simion. Darrell was a business owner and entrepreneur in Christopher for nearly 50 years operating the family business Simion Auto Parts and later Simion Fabrication.

He is survived by his wife Rosalee; two sons, Lane (Sheila) Simion, Scott (Shelly) Simion, sister-in-law, Karen Simion, two nephews, several grandchildren and great-grand-children and close family-friend Steve Makowan. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Donald (Duck) Simion.

Graveside services will be held on Monday April 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL with Brother Brad Ryan officiating. Private family visitation will be from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

Edward “Big Ed” Lee Kirkpatrick, 69, of Mulkeytown, IL passed away on Thursday March 14th, 2024.

He was born December 8, 1954 in Chicago Heights, IL to Wayman and Maxine (Shepard) Kirkpatrick. On October 4,1980 he married the love of his life Becky (Sartor) and for almost 44 years they enjoyed building a quiet life together in the country. You could always find him wearing his Liberty bib overalls while he was gardening, fishing, chopping wood, or getting work done on his John Deere tractor.

He wanted to be outdoors as much as he could. Ed enjoyed his small farm of a donkey, chickens, turkeys, and goats. He especially loved his dogs Archie, Moses, Scruffy, and Ranger. He was very interested in history, reading countless books and watching movies on the subject. He took a particular interest in the American Civil War. Ed would often sit for hours listening to classic country music. Hoyt Axton being his favorite of all. He truly loved his country and served as precinct committeeman for many years.

Ed worked at Nascote Industries Inc. in Nashville, IL for almost 20 years. Big Ed loved sports and was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. He always said he wanted just one World Series Championship before he died and he was able to get his wish in 2016. He also loved Alabama football, Roll Tide! His favorite pastime of all was watching his two sons Eddie and Ben play sports. He never missed a game. Ed spent years investing his time as the president of the Valier Athletic Association. The Valier Storm won back to back National Championships, which was such a proud moment in his life. Ed always had a smile and was quick with a joke. More than anything he loved spending time with his family.

Ed is survived by his wife Rebecca; his two sons Eddie (Amy) Kirkpatrick of Beaverton, OR; Ben (Jenna) Kirkpatrick of Benton, IL; his four grandchildren Kaylee, Max, Kaden, Eli; sisters Joyce Kirkpatrick of Sesser, IL, and Gay Kirkpatrick of Stegar, IL. Celebration of Life will be held at the DuQuoin SDA Church (517 S. Jefferson, DuQuoin, IL 62832) on Saturday, April 13th at 3:00pm. Directly following the service will be a time of fellowship and refreshments.

JoAnn Miner, 80, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Monday March 25, 2024 at her home.

She was born on June 29, 1943 in Mt Vernon, IL to Eugene and Sena (Rice) Biggs. She married Charles Miner on April 26, 1969 and he survives of Mulkeytown.

She is also survived by her children Karen Hamlet of Clarksville, TN, Kevin (Angela) Miner of Jacksonville, IL and Jeff (Tiffney) Miner of Palmyra, MI; special nephew Frank (Vicki) Miner of Zeigler; grandchildren Emily (Ian) Berry, Katie Hamlet, Sarah Miner, Kayley Miner, Lauryn Hamlet, Wesley Miner, Hailey Miner, Meri Miner and Brice Franklin and one great grandchild on the way Rosalie Berry; one sister Cathy (Denny) Franklin of Mulkeytown; three brothers Ray (Sarah Jo) Biggs of Sesser, Gene Biggs Jr. of Christopher and Kirby (Millie) Biggs Harvest, AL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Phyllis Jean Biggs and one brother Ken Biggs.

JoAnn was a diehard St Louis Cardinal’s fan and ran the CAYA in Christopher for many years, she also loved to decorate for Christmas and would plan the whole year for her Christmas display.

Funeral services for JoAnn will be on Thursday March 28, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Christy Cook, 63, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Monday March 18, 2024 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

She was born on August 24, 1960 in Christopher to Delton Ray and Mary Catherine (Bryant) Cook.

She is survived by her daughter Shonda (Roger) Pinkham of Salem; grandchildren Hannah McKinney, Alexis Oliver and Chelsea Oliver; great grandchildren Adlynn, Finnley and Carter; one sister Neita Cook of Surprise, AZ and one brother Danny Cook of Mulkeytown.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Christy’s wishes were to be cremated. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.

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

William Keith Covey, age 66, of West Frankfort, passed away at 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial services will follow in the Gilead Cumberland Cemetery of Simpson, Illinois. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

William was born on May 5, 1957, in Decatur, Illinois; the son of William A. Covey and Ruth E. (Joiner) Covey.

He was a retired plumber, working out of the Plumber and Pipefitters Local #551. He was a member of the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church of Grantsburg, Illinois.

He enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing, doing yardwork; but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his son and grandkids.

Mr. Covey is survived by his son William Bryan Covey of West Frankfort, Illinois; two grandchildren: Katelyn Covey and Gene Covey, both of Marion, Illinois; a half-sister Lynn Hansen of Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of William, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.