Obituaries
Death of Billy Conn Kelly
Billy Conn Kelly, 80, of Dorchester, died at his residence on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at 11:41 am. He was born December 7, 1942, in Gillespie, to James Orville Kelly and Celia Dillon Kelly.
He retired in May 2023, after having been a Gillespie Township Road Commissioner for 26 years. He was a veteran of the US Navy. Billy enjoyed his collection of International Tractors and working on them with his buddies, Jerry Johnson, Terry Johnson and Dave Cox. He loved buying tractors, going to auctions, and going out for breakfast with Jim Duncan. He also enjoyed endless trips around the countryside. He will miss his friend, Lisa Loveless. He dearly loved all his nieces and nephews, hat many have given him the status of “favorite uncle.”
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Bill) Alepra of Dorchester, grandchildren, Jacob (companion, Addison Bryant) Alepra, Samantha Alepra, Sarah (Alex) Lamparter, great-grandchild who was the love of his life, Landon Lamparter, siblings, Joe Kelly, Jim Kelly, Doris Donaldson, Freida Malloy, Betty Heck, Marjorie Taylor, Mary Lou Jubelt.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, siblings, John Kelly, Junior Kelly, Arlene Griva, Ellen Clemonds, Edna Audi and the mother of his daughter, Patty Bernhardt.
Friends may call on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Funeral services are Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 11:00 am at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie. Burial will be at Gillespie Cemetery, Gillespie. Memorials are suggested to Landon Lamparter College Fund or Gillespie High School Softball.
Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, is in charge of the arrangements
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Eugene Joseph Feldmann, 81 of Worden, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025, at BJC Hospital in St. Louis, MO surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 19, 1944, in Highland the son of the late Raymond J. and Corrine M. (Rensing) Feldmann. He married Margaret A. Kapp on July 8, 1967, in Highland and she survives.
Gene was employed as an electrician and maintenance foreman at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing in St. Louis, MO for over 40 years. He graduated from Breese Mater Dei Catholic High School with the Class of 1962 and then served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1962 to 1966. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Staunton and was a 4th Degree member of the Staunton Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed farming, gardening, and loved time spent with family and friends playing cards, particularly Euchre and Pinochle.
He is survived by his wife, Margie Feldmann of Worden; four sons, Terry (Michele) Feldmann of Metamora, IL, Scott (Deedra) Feldmann of Staunton, Mark (Cindy) Feldmann of Worden, and Danny (Ashleigh) Feldmann of Staunton; sixteen grandchildren, Ryan Feldmann, Meghan Feldmann, Natalie Feldmann, Marissa (Cory) Manning, Mallory (Kyle) David, Jacob (Lindsay) Feldmann, Martin Cralley, Ashley (Kyle) Billings, Faith Feldmann, Hannah Feldmann, Zane Feldmann, Kaden Feldmann, Elexia Feldmann, Jace Feldmann, Jax Feldmann, and Emreigh Feldmann; five great grandchildren; four sisters, Carol Kirstein of Tucson, AZ, Connie Zimmers of Breese, Joan (David) Severit of Lakeland, FL, and Edith (Dennis) Fohne of Trenton; two brothers, Ernie (Ely) Feldmann of Brawley, CA and Stephen (Lonna) Feldmann of Trenton; two brothers-in-law, Tom (Deb) Kapp and Alan (Pat) Kapp; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Rose (Dwight) Faitz, and one sister-in-law, Diann Washburn.
A memorial mass will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Staunton with Father Thomas Hagstrom officiating. Attendees are encouraged to dress casual for the service and the celebration of life following mass at Boonie’s Farm, Worden. Memorials are suggested to either the Staunton FFA Alumni, St. Michael Catholic Church, or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Carol Joyce (Hammond) Grossglauser, 86 of Gillespie, passed away at her residence on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 7:05 am. She was born on November 13, 1938, in Freeport, IL to Neily Oliver and Thelma Elizabeth Matthews Hammond.
She married Robert Emil Grossglauser on January 14, 1956. They later separated. Carol was the kindest of souls. She never needed the spotlight or sought to be the center of attention, but gave what she had whenever she could. She gave her love as a mom, grandma, and great-grandma, most of all.
With Carol, there were never any requirements for her to care deeply about you. She was a foster parent and a stand-in mom or grandma for anyone who needed one. She lived a life full of understanding and showered people with kindness. In her earlier years, she loved knitting and crocheting, baking desserts, and teaching her children and grandchildren to be the best they could be.
She was often heard sharing The Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In her later years, she spent her time cheering on and looking after her great-grandchildren. She also loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals, especially when they were doing well! Carol’s life was filled with treasured memories shared by all who knew her. She was an incredible person and will be missed beyond measure.
She is survived by her children, Robert (Michelle) Grossglauser of Worley, ID, Rick (Carol Ann) Grossglauser of Hayden, ID, and Schatzi (Gary Lumley) Grossglauser of Gillespie; grandchildren, Robert “Zack” (Tami) Grossglauser, Timothy (Connie) Grossglauser, Candice (Mike) Katchmar, Nathaniel (Lindsey) Grossglauser, Robert Thompson, Sabrina (Nate) Dutra, Christopher (Laura) Grossglauser, Ricky (Jessica Miller) Grossglauser, Uriah Grossglauser, Teresa (Austin) Raynor, Seth (Melissa) Grossglauser, Obediah (Lindsey) Grossglauser, Aimee Grossglauser, Ezra (Maryssa) Grossglauser, and Jacqueline Grossglauser; 25 great grandchildren; sister, Linda (Henry) Fortney of Freeport; sister in law, Janice Hammond of Freeport; and several nieces and nephews.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents; son, John Ernest Grossglauser; brother, Neily “Babe” Hammond Jr.; brother, Jack Hammond; sister in law, Janet Hammond; sister, Sharon Dailey; brother in law, Stuart Dailey; and sister, Christina Saxby.
Visitation will be on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm. Funeral services are Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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Leslie “Les” U. Massey, 71 of Gillespie, died at his residence on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 5:29 pm. He was born on June 30, 1954 in Staunton to Edsel Udell Massey and Mary Ellen Nordyke Johnson.
He married Kathleen Hunter Massey on November 17, 1978, in Belleville. She preceded him in death on February 21, 2024. He had worked at Aladdin Steel in Gillespie.
He is survived by his step mother, Katherine Massey File of SC; daughters, Jennifer (Michael) Brown of Alton and Stella Massey of Brighton; grandchildren, Christopher, Erika, Madison, Joey, Jason, Cearra, Kaiden, Allie, Paislee, Lena, Lyle, Ryea, and Nyki; great-grandchildren, Bryson, Theo, Levi, and Amelia; and siblings, Mary Brown of SC, Brenda Depriest of SC, and Nicole Stiwill of FL.
Leslie was preceded in death by his parents; spouse; son, James Massey; daughter, Stacie Massey; and siblings, Leonard Massey, Debbie Massey, Glen Elders, Sandy Flores, John Kovac, and Susan Kovac.
Visitation will be on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
