Obituaries
Death of Michael James “Philo” Fagan
Michael James “Philo” Fagan, age 56, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, after a long and courageous battle against a rare form of sarcoma cancer. He was born on June 24, 1964, to Jay and Toni (Droxner) Fagan Jr. His father Jay Fagan Jr. preceded him in death only 15 short months ago.
Mike worked as a carpenter for his father Jay Fagan for many years. After his father retired, he worked for Dan Miller as a carpenter. Mike and Dan worked together for over 20 years. It was often said if they could not fix it or figure it out, it could not be done.
Mike enjoyed hunting, cooking, and spending time with his beloved wife Melodye. Mike married his soul mate Melodye (Hamilton) Fagan on July 4, 1998, and she survives. Mike “Philo” had many friends & cherished all of them. His life could not have been any more full of friendship, however, he would never turn away from making a new friend. He was everyone’s friend.
He is also survived by his mother, Toni (Droxner) Fagan; his children, Christine (Jerry) Miles, Julie (Billy) Lane, Joe (Stephanie) Hamm, and Kyle Fagan; his grandchildren, Billy (Samantha) Lane, Jordan Kagy, A.J. Lane, Dylan Kagy, Kaydee Lane, Jersey Lane, Kallie Hamm, Kamryn Hamm, and Joe Hamm; his great-grandchildren, Jax Lane and Marleigh Lane; sister and brother-in-law, Patty & Dan Miller; nephews, Austin (Shelby) Miller and Aaron Miller; and great-nephew, Hank Miller.
Besides his father, he was preceded in death by his step-daughter, Melissa Hamm.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2020, at 2 p.m. at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton. The family will greet friends following his memorial service from 3 to 7 p.m. at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton. All COVID-19 guidelines will be observed during the visitation period and during the memorial service as well. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family.
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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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