Obituaries
Death of David James “D.J.” Winfree
David James “D.J.” Winfree, 25 of Williamson, died at his residence on Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 4:10 p.m. He was born on August 24, 1995, in Alton to Chris Winfree and Laurie (Eldridge) Winfree.
He was a locksmith for Monday Security Corp. David was always such a great mind. He always said he had a “uniquely expansive imagination”. He liked to create/invent, play music, explore new places may it be driving on a new road or going to a place he has never been, helping people (this was one of his main things/loves in life to do), meditation and science.
He was riki 2 certified; this was one of the ways he would help people with stress or pain. He loved being active like running, exercising, and just going out spontaneously. He loved reading books and cooking. He came up with his own Asian recipes like 3 cup chicken, beef lo mein, and peanut chicken. He was a great friend and listener.
He loved computers and anything with technology to the point he built his own computer and was self-taught in some programming. He was a great teacher. He could talk about just any subject and try and help you understand it. He was an entrepreneur and had his own business Mystic Crafts. He made epoxy resin cast and wired wrapped jewelry. He enjoyed painting. Overall he was just a great person, lover, friend, brother, son for anyone who ever met him.
He is survived by his father, Chris Winfree of New Douglas; mother, Laurie Winfree of Bunker Hill; fiancée, Jordon Boetta; siblings, Shasta Lievers of Interlachen, FL and Chris Winfree of Bunker Hill; grandmother, Lucille Eldridge; niece, Kamea Lievers; aunts and uncles, Diana Chestnut, Donna “Jeanne” Hancock, Sandy Eddinger, Dale Eldridge, Gary Eldridge, and Steven Eldridge; fiancée’s parents, Windy and Anthony Boetta; and fiancée’s sisters, Katy Boetta and Alexis Boetta.
David was preceded in death by his grandfather, Donald Eldridge and aunt, Kim Parnell.
Visitation services were held on Sunday, April 11, 2021, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Bunker Hill from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Memorial services were held on Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the wishes of the family. Kravanya Funeral Home, Bunker Hill is in charge of the arrangements.
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Eugene A. “Gene” Bentrup, age 86 of rural Staunton, passed away at 5:15 PM on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Staunton Health & Rehab Center in Staunton. He was born on Tuesday, March 15, 1938, in Staunton, the son of the late Louis and Ella (Heigert) Bentrup.
He married Shirley Repovich on June 9, 1962, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Livingston and she survives.
Gene served our country in the United States Army. He was employed as a grain inspector for Toberman Grain & Feed Company in East St. Louis for many years. He enjoyed gardening, mowing grass, shopping with Shirley, traveling with the Goldenaires Club, bowling, and table games.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Bentrup of rural Staunton, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother in infancy, Otto Bentrup.
Friends may call from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston. Funeral services for Gene Bentrup will be held at 11 AM on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston with Rev. Fr. Thomas Hagstrom officiating.
Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton with the Staunton Veterans Honor Guard conducting graveside military rites. Memorials are suggested to either Heartland Hospice, St. Michael Catholic Church of Staunton, or to the charity of the donor’s choice
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Wanda Kaye (Huffman) Bernot, 77 of Benld, was freed from the shackles of Alzheimer’s Disease on April 22, 2024. She passed peacefully with family by her side at Community Hospital of Staunton. A poetic end for she was a selfless person.
Wanda was born on September 7, 1946, in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of the late Vernon and Gladys (Conner) Huffman. She was raised in Staunton and was a graduate of Staunton High School. She married Pete Bernot on February 20, 1965, in Benld. They lived in Benld where they raised their only child, Jeff.
Wanda dedicated her time to a career in public service by working for the State of Illinois. Much of her work for the state was spent with the Department of Public Aid as a caseworker and director in the Carlinville field office. She was also a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union.
Wanda never shied away from helping people. After retirement, she served as Benld’s City Clerk and served on the Gillespie CUSD#7 Site Selection Committee for the location of the new elementary school.
She leaves behind her son, Jeffrey A. Bernot of Benld; her grandchildren, Rylee Bernot (Cassidy) of Benld, Peyton Bernot of Benld, and Ashleigh Feldmann (Daniel) of Staunton; great-grandchildren, Elexia, Jace, Jax, and Emreigh; a sister, Rita Soens of Williamson; a niece, Sherry Warren (Mike); and great-nieces, Shelby and McKenzie.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Pete, who passed away on April 21, 2018.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM on Monday, April 29, 2024, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton with Pastor Dane Solari officiating.
Memorials are suggested to The Partnership for Educational Excellence for the Pete & Wanda Bernot Scholarship Fund.
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Rodney Lee McQuaid, 62 of Shipman, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at home. He was born on January 31, 1962, in Alton, the son of the late Roy “RD” and Ramona Kay (Moran) McQuaid.
Rodney married the love of his life Sherry Lynn Whitten on October 12, 1984, in Alton. She preceded him in death in 2020. Together they enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family, always spoiling their nieces and nephews whom they dearly loved. He was a manager at Speedway Salvage and could usually be found getting into trouble on his tractor.
Rodney is survived by his brother, Skip (Marcia) McQuaid; sister, Sherrie (Randy) Durbin; five nieces and nephews; five great nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Gloria Joyce.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sherry Lynn, and parents, RD and Kay McQuaid.
Visitation will be held from 10 am until the time of funeral service at Noon on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton. Burial will follow at Shipman Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation.
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