Obituaries
Death of Terry Mosser
Terry Mosser, 73 of Staunton, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at Community Hospital of Staunton. He was born in Alton on September 22, 1948, the son of Carl and Selma (Schnaare) Mosser.
Terry graduated from Staunton High School in 1966 and then attended SIUE. Until 1969, Terry lived and worked in St. Louis teaching private piano lessons and playing piano at bar mitzvahs, weddings, and funerals. Terry served in the US Army from 1969-1971 stationed at Ft Belvoir, VA and played clarinet in the 75th US Army Band. He also played in a local area band and taught piano lessons. It was during this time that he met Eleanor Phipps.
He and Eleanor were married on August 16, 1970, in Baltimore, MD. Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, he and Eleanor worked together in a show band that traveled through many parts of the US. In 1974, they settled in Deerfield, IL. During the 24 years that they lived in Deerfield, Terry’s exceptional carpentry skills kept him busy as a sought-after finish carpenter. He continued to teach piano lessons and he and Eleanor continued to play in a show band as often as possible.
In 1998, Terry and Eleanor moved back to Staunton, where Terry built their self designed home. Terry continued his carpentry work and music career after the move back to Staunton. Terry’s innate piano skills allowed him to substitute in many area bands, including Men in Heat. Terry also served as organist at several area churches, including the First United Methodist Church in Staunton. Terry was a member of the Tri-County Musicians’ Union, Local No. 88. Terry cherished his time with his family and friends, especially if that time included making music and he always completed the Sunday crossword puzzles.
One of Terry’s greatest pleasures was working with the directors and students in the choral department at Staunton Community Unit School District. He served as accompanist at many choral concerts as well as solo contests.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, James Biggerstaff.
He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; sister, Tami Biggerstaff of Urbandale, IA; sister-in-law, Thelma Phipps of Deerfield; nieces, Tara Elkin and Marissa Brown of Des Moines and their families; life-long friends and cousins Eugene Roehl of Troy, IL and his family, Nancy Goldasich of Staunton and her family, and several more dear cousins and many dear friends and Godchildren.
Graveside services and a celebration of Terry’s life will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton. Arrangements are under the direction of Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton.
In honor of Terry’s lifelong commitment to music education, memorials in his honor will be designated to the choral department at Staunton Community Schools.
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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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