Obituaries
Death of John (Jack) Andrew Kochinski
John (Jack) Andrew Kochinski, 80 of Benld, passed away peacefully at his residence with his beloved wife and children by his side on Sunday, September 5, 2021. Jack was born on April 1, 1941, in Benld a son of the late Mary (Tenikat) Kochinski and the late Joseph Kochinski, both of Benld.
Jack lived his whole life in Benld. He graduated from Benld High School in 1959 and SIUE in 1988. He was a proud athlete playing basketball, track and football in high school He served as co-captain of the football team his senior year making all-conference 1st team tackle. Additionally, he was credited with a thrilling win after scoring the game-winning basket with 7 seconds left to give Benld the victory over Greenfield, 51-50, on November 30, 1958.
After high school, Jack joined the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged due to a physical disability (skin allergy). He worked a variety of jobs, a “Jack of all trades”, including mine examiner, construction, the newspaper business, and then finally, a school teacher for 15 years before retiring in 2003 so he could spend more time fishing and enjoying his family.
Jack married the love of his life, Stephanie Sheridan, on June 10, 1972. He actually married her three times, but that’s a story for another day. They were lucky to spend 49 beautiful years together.
Jack is survived by his wife, Stephanie of Benld; twin daughters, Mary (Steve) Laffey of St. Louis, MO and Kasey (Pete) Zawodniak of St. Louis MO; one son, Joseph (Candace) Kochinski of Benld; 8 grandchildren, Jack Bunn, Katie Laffey, Patrick Laffey, Gracie Laffey, Sam Zawodniak, Ava Zawodniak, Isabella Kochinski, and Steven Kochinski; sister in law, Amparo Kochinski; and several nieces and one nephew.
In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his brother, Donald and sister, Marie; brother-in-law, Stephen Sheridan, and one niece.
Jack loved to laugh, have a good party, have a cold beer and be surrounded by his friends and family. Some of his favorite old-time memories were of the kitten ball team (the Spooks) that played on the weekends followed by good times at the local pubs.
Later in life, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was an excellent baby-holder and loved a good Disney movie although they always seemed to make him cry. He taught his grandchildren to love fishing, even teaching them to tie their own flies. He was adored; “the sun” that we were all so happy to revolve around. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. Jack loved life.
Visitation will be on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Church, Benld from 11 a.m. to 12 noon with Father Michael Haag officiating. A memorial mass will follow at noon at the church. Refreshments will be at the Benld City Park after the memorial mass. COVID 19 guidelines will be followed.
Memorial donations are suggested to Benld Library, Gillespie Benld Area Ambulance Service, or the Partnership for Educational Excellence. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of 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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