Edgar A. DeLaval, 85, of Mulkeytown, passed away on July 2, 2023 at his home.

He was born on August 15, 1937 to Leon Sr. and Hortense Liberty DeLaval. He was married to Donna (Tindall) DeLaval and she survived of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by his son Terry DeLaval of Christopher; step-daughter Teresa (Brian) Leonard of Carterville; step-son Lyle (Becky) Payne of Coello; one sister Sandra (Joe) Mucinski of Florida; Grandchildren Alexis DeLaval, Kassie Jo DeLaval, Kaitlin Staley, Austin Vandekerkhove, Christopher (Jennifer) Anderson-Payne, Madison (Dylan) Tucker, Jamie Leonard and Stefanie Leonard, Connie Presley and Taylor Majors; Great Grandchildren Levi M. Grob, Everleigh G. Jackson Emilia N. Vandekerkhove, Kreyd M. and Elizabeth A; Nieces and Nephews Trudi DeLaval-House, JoAnne (John) Magner and Jason (Danille) Mucinski and also survived by several other nieces and nephews and many other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife of 33 years, Jenevie Lucille Davis-DeLaval, Grandson Levi DeLaval, two brothers Joseph DeLaval and Leon DeLaval Jr. and one nephew Danny DeLaval. Edgar was retired from Old Ben Coal and Zeigler Coal Company in June of 1996, he was also a retired Volunteer Christopher Fireman. He served in the United States Army and is a 33-year plus member of the America Legion Post 0528. His wishes were to be cremated with a private graveside burial at a later date at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

John Walter Hughes, 76, of Sesser, passed away on Friday June 30, 2023 at his home.

He was born on January 22, 1947 in Herrin, IL to Walter and Dorothy (Barrass) Hughes. He married Tina (Hampton) Hughes on October 18, 2010 and she preceded him in death on September 14, 2021.

John is survived by his children William David Hughes of Maryland, John Michael Hughes of Maryland, Susan Lynn Hughes of Maryland, Gina (Bryan) Hiller of Christopher, Donna (Javier) Limones of Robstown, TX and Zachary Baker of Harrisburg; 15 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Funeral services for John will be on Wednesday July 5, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother George Marshall officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Virginia Maxine Giacomo, 90, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Tuesday June 27, 2023 at Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin, IL.

She was born on May 16, 1933 in Mulkeytown, IL to Oliver Evan and Mary Louise (Campbell) Rogers. She married Earl Giacomo on August 18, 1951 and he preceded her in death on January 12, 2020.

She is survived by her daughter Ella (Chuck) Culver of Christopher; son Robert “Bob” (Mary) Giacomo of Pinckneyville; grandchildren Joshua (Beth) Giacomo, Sarah Shasteen, Laura (Mike) Dreas, Joseph (Kait) Giacomo, Jordan (Alyssa) Culver, Ashton Culver; great grandchildren Logan Shasteen, George Dreas, Hazel Marie Dreas, Aubrey Culver, Ethan Culver and Thomas Giacomo; two sisters Connie (Fred) Sample of Valier and Wanda McReaken of Coello and one brother Richard Rogers of Dallas, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one granddaughter Megan Culver; one great granddaughter Anna Jean Giacomo, one sister Betty Moschino and one brother Robert Rogers.

Funeral Mass will be on Saturday July 1, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the St Andrew Catholic Church in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday July 1, 2023 from 9:00 AM until the time of the Mass at 11:00 AM at the Church. Burial will be at St Andrew Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers donations can be given to the St Andrew Chapel Fund or to Residential Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the Church .

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

Jacob “Jake” R. Kramer, 42, of Denver, CO., passed away on June 25, 2023 in Thompsonville, IL.

He was born on August 17, 1980, to John Kramer and Valerie (Mason) Vicari in Benton, IL. Jacob graduated from Eastern Illinois University, receiving his Bachelors Degree. He would then receive his Master from DePaul University.

Jake was a loving son and father. His two values in life was helping others and being a proud father. He was a highly intelligent individual, who always lead with his heart. Jacob taught English for many years. He loved music and performing, reading and was a life long learner.

Jacob “Jake” is survived by his daughter, Elena Kramer; son, Declan Kramer; father, John Kramer; mother, Valerie (Victor) Vicari; two brothers, Hunter Rone and Adrien DeMartini; two sisters, Athens DeMartini and Tessa Leech.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 30, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Alan Newman, officiating.

Memorials may be made to Jennifer Law, in care Jacob’s children, Elena and Declan, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Mary Ann Townzen-Wall, 83, of Christopher, passed away on Sunday June 25, 2023 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.

She was born on March 11, 1940 in Coello, IL to Dave and Jeanette (Docherty) Orr.

She is survived by her step-children Michael (Jaymie) Townzen of Peoria, IL, Jeremy (Christina) Townzen of Missouri, Patrick (Lindsey) Townzen of Marion, IL and Christopher (Crystal) Townzen of Indiana, nieces and nephews Michael (Judy) McClendon of Missouri, Sharon King of Benton, Gary (Sally) Ceasar of Christopher, Phillip (Sonja) Ceasar of Buckner, Danny Ceasar of Christopher and Cyrilene Hicks of Christopher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Husband Michael Townzen and two sisters Grace Howerton and Irene Ceasar.

Mary Ann’s wish was for her body to be donated to the SIU School of Medicine.

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

Eugenia Darlene “Dar” Kollra, age 70, of Benton, Illinois and formerly of Tuscon, Arizona; passed away at 9:09 a.m. CST, Sunday, June 25, 2023, at the St. Mary’s Hospital of Tuscon, Arizona.

Dar’s wishes are to be cremated. A graveside Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois.

She was born in Newnen, Georgia, on August 30, 1952; the daughter of Roy Milam and Charlotte (Guinn) Milam. She was married to Mark Kollra; and he preceded her in death.

Dar was a retired Canteen Supervisor with the VA Hospital in Tuscon.

She enjoyed playing cards, watching Investigation and Discovery Television (IDTV), visiting and spending time with family and friends, and especially enjoyed spending time and spoiling her grandchildren.

Surviving are two daughters: Denise Chaffin-Ford and wife Wanda of Benton, IL, Debbie Jean Gibbs and husband Ken of Galatia, IL; a son Rondal Lee Ford of Marion, IL; four grandchildren: Kelsey Clark, Kaitlyn Ford, Destin Ford, Aiden Ford; three great-granddaughters: Americus Clark, Skyler Clark, Kynzley Ford; a sister Holly Andrus of Florida; several brothers; close friends: Sandy, Ed, Rebel, Kim; and he fur baby Namey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Mark Kollra, a son Jeffrey Wayne Ford (Nov. 19, 2021) and twin sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lady’s Auxiliary of the Benton American Legion and VFW.

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

George Orshak, 77, of Buckner, passed away at 6:25 a.m., on Monday, June 19, 2023, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.

He was born on November 27, 1945, to George and Anna (Tyrpak) Orshak in West Frankfort, IL.
George was a United State Air Force veteran.

He was a member of the Protection of the Holy Mary Orthodox Church in Royalton, IL. George loved visiting with family and friends and enjoyed watching television.
George is survived by his sister, Phyllis A Petty of Benton and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George, Sr. and Anna L. Orshak,and his sister, Elizabeth H. Browning.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home. 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Per George’s wishes, cremation will take place, a private graveside service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Melvin D. Dixon, 74, of Benton, passed away at 6:47 p.m., on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on September 21, 1948, to William and Florence (Watson) Dixon in Christopher, IL. He graduated from Benton Community High School, Class of 1966. When he was in high school, he worked for Davis Feed Store.

Melvin is a Veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. In 1967, he entered the Army serving three years and was discharged as an E5 Specialist receiving the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He returned to his family in Benton, working at Roses Gas Station.

On June 5th, 1971, he married the former Barbara Learned. Shortly after their marriage, he was hired by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department as a Jailer. After 4 months, he was promoted to Deputy. On October 11, 1973, he was hired as a full-time police officer at the Benton Police Department, serving 28 years. During his tenure at the police department he served in many positions, from Drug Task Force to Police Chief. He retired on October 19, 2001. He was also a member of the Police Pension Board. Melvin then joined Brinks Armored Car Service for 13 years, until he finally retired in 2014.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather. He enjoyed going to the gun range, watching his grandkids sporting events and attending every event they participated in. He also enjoyed traveling and classic cars. He loved being actively involved in the Benton Community and seeing it evolve.

Melvin was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton, IL, and a former member of the choir.

Mr. Dixon is survived by his loving spouse of 52 years, Barbara, two daughters, Amanda Miller and husband, Troy, of Benton and Sarah Stowers and husband, Derek, of Benton; five grandchildren, Matthew Miller, Logan Stowers, Isabella Miller, Lenox Stowers and Lance Stowers; brother, James Dixon of Benton; sister-in-law, Melissa Learned; three nephews, Ryan Dixon, Travis Dixon and Corky Miller and two nieces, Debbie VanWinkle and Jill Blythe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William B. and Florence Dixon, a brother, William C. Jackson, a sister, Charlotte Miller and sister-in-law, Kay Dixon.

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

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Jesse Hinds, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United State Army Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Victor H. Sauerhage, Jr., 62, of St. Louis, MO passed away after a short battle with cancer on Wednesday afternoon June 14, 2023 in Mercy West Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

He was born in DuQuoin, IL on April 24, 1961 the son of Vic Sauerhage, Sr. & Barbara Sue (Moore) Sauerhage.
When he was young Victor was a coach at Sloan Gymnastics and he loved that, he also traveled to several meets as a judge. Mr. Sauerhage worked in Retail Sales.
Victor is survived by his:

Mother: Barbara Sauerhage of Benton
Sister: Lynda Depue & husband George of Taylorville
Brother: Harry Lee Sauerhage & wife Lisa of Benton
Lifelong partner: John Parker, Sr. of St. Louis, MO
2 Children:
Onae Parker of Alton
John Parker, Jr. of St. Louis, MO
3 Grandchildren: Kadyn, Royce & Raegyn (his little Lucy Mae)
Very special Cousin: Janaira Wagoner
Special Uncle & Aunt: Wilma Wagoner & husband Bud
Nieces & Nephews:
Toni & Tod Morgan and their children Tad & Heather
Tyler & wife Kirsten Malkovich
Ryan & wife Brandi Sauerhage and their children-Brantlee & Hadley
Ryan & wife Rachel Fraulini and their children-Easton & Paisley
Whitney Sauerhage & Mark Kovach
Nic & wife Sam Depue and their children-Leah, Noah, Luc & Madeline
His very special furry babies: Jody & Max
Several very special Cousins, Aunts & Uncles
Special lifetime friend: Bradley Willard aka “Little Willie”

Mr. Sauerhage was preceded in death by his Father-Vic Sauerhage, Sr., Great-Niece: Adalynn Depue and Grandparents-Willie & Minnie Moore and Raymond & Bertha Sauerhage.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 17th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Joe Zbinden officiating. Visitation will be after 9:00 A.M. on Saturday at the funeral home. A meal will be served immediately following the service at the Steel City Baptist Church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com