Obituaries
Death of Cecil J. Brackman
Cecil J. Brackman, 97 of Staunton, passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023, at his residence in Staunton with family by his side. He was born on February 15, 1926, in Bunker Hill, a son of the late William Frederick and Carrie (Fletcher) Brackman.
He married Viola Davison on February 14, 1948, in Staunton and she survives. He served in the United States Navy during World War II in The Pacific Theatre on the U.S.S. Randall. He worked as a mixer in the Primer Department at Olin Corp in East Alton for 38 years and was a member of the Machinist Union Local #660.
Cecil belonged to the Assembly Church in Staunton since 1948 serving as treasurer, Sunday School teacher, usher, musician, and handyman. He read the Bible over 140 times writing copious notes on his understanding of the scriptures.
Cecil planted a huge garden every year with tomatoes, green beans, corn, and various other vegetables and fruits. For 69 years he grew strawberries, picking over 1000 quarts a summer, selling them to Mayfield’s Market in the early years, as well as individuals until 2018, when he finally started slowing down.
After his God and his family, Cecil’s greatest love was gospel bluegrass music. He participated in many local bluegrass and gospel groups through the years, playing the guitar, mandolin, harmonica, Hawaiian guitar, and violin. He also participated in a nursing home ministry utilizing his musical talents. After retiring, Cecil and Vi would spend two or three winter months a year in the Texas Rio Grand Valley participating in many music jam sessions.
He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Viola Brackman of Staunton; three children, Sue Goodson of Staunton, Dennis (Barb) Brackman of Staunton, and Dwight (Kathy) Brackman of Staunton; eight grandchildren, Eric Goodson of St. Louis, MO, Amy (Carl) Zuhl of Schereville, IN, Abby Brackman of Glen Carbon, Emily (Harry) Paul of Staunton, Adam (Emily) Brackman of St. Louis, MO, Carrie (Ian) Fenton of Mt. Olive, Bethany (Nathan) Kokorudz of Wood River, and Aaron (LeAmber) Brackman of Jefferson, GA; 15 great-grandchildren, Henry, Atticus, and Silas Paul, Jessica Goodson Feldman, Jacob Goodson, Cole, Carter, Cruz, and Cash Fenton, Caleb, Gavin, Owen, and Baylor Brackman, Everly and Everett Kokorudz; and two great-great-grandchildren, Patrick and Presley Feldman.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by five siblings, William Brackman, Charles Brackman, Rose Greer Robinson, Laura Partridge, and Louis Wesley Brackman.
Friends may call from 10 AM to 12 noon on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at The Assembly Church in Staunton. Funeral services will follow at 12 noon at The Assembly Church in Staunton with Reverend Art Braden officiating. The burial will be held at Tine Sawyer Cemetery near Staunton. Memorials are suggested to The Assembly Church of Staunton or Tine Sawyer Cemetery.
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Thomas Michael Pritchard, 57 of Carlinville, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at his residence in Carlinville. Tom was born on August 26, 1967, in Carlinville a son of Zane and Clara (Churchill) Pritchard.
He graduated from Carlinville High School with the class of 1986. Tom never married. Tom worked as maintenance at Carlinville Community School District, Starr Brothers Hog Farm, and the elevators at both Palmyra and Chesterfield.
Tom was a skilled outdoorsman, fisherman and hunter of all game. He also enjoyed hunting for artifacts. He loved making memories with friends through turkey and waterfowl hunting.
Thomas is survived by his brother, Steve Pritchard of Springfield.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Kathryn Peterson, and his black lab ,Bandit.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. His ashes will be buried next to his parents and sister at Moore cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Davis-Anderson P.O. Box 135 Carlinville, IL 62626 for funeral expenses. Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, Carlinville, is in charge of arrangements.
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Barbara Ann Holak, 66 of Springfield, formerly of Staunton, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Hillsboro Rehab & Health Care Center in Hillsboro. She was born on October 27, 1958, in Staunton the daughter of the late Joe and Gail (Ruckstahl) Holak.
Barb was a 1976 graduate of Staunton High School and was active in track and in the marching band as a flag twirler. After high school, she went to work in the Secretary of State’s office in Springfield until her retirement in 2010. She loved making new friends, playing in dart leagues, taking canoe trips with her many friends, and was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
She is survived by her two sisters, Linda Holak (Dennis) Grammer of Litchfield and Connie Holak (Bob) Zenner of Staunton; two nephews, Shane (Dana) Grammer and Chad (Melissa) Grammer; a great nephew, Easton Grammer; and two great nieces, Dakoda Mix and Rylie Mix, all of Litchfield.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Coats for Kids, PO Box 157, Litchfield, IL 62056. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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95-year-old Helen Boehler of Litchfield passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 1:35 a.m. at Imboden Creek Senior Living Center in Decatur on February 27, 2025. She was born on September 29, 1929 in Litchfield the only child of Max E. and Juanita (Bridges) Taylor.
She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Litchfield Community High School graduating with the class of 1947. She and Charles William Boehler were married by Fr. F.J. Lawler at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on November 27, 1948, and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage before his passing on February 26, 2012.
Through the years, Mrs. Boehler was employed as a receptionist at the old St. Francis Hospital, Dr. Arthur E. Sihler, Claude Anderson, O.D., and Sidney’s Tot and Teen, all in Litchfield. She enjoyed walking, dancing, was a voracious reader and an avid St. Louis Cardinal’s fan. Mrs. Boehler was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the St. Anne’s Society, and a volunteer with the St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary.
Mrs. Boehler is survived by daughters, Sue (Greg) Penderghest of Decatur and Marcie (Mark) Hartke of Kirksville, MO; grandchildren, Emily Penderghest of Franklin, IN, Monica Penderghest and Chary Hall of Decatur, and Jared (Kate) Hartke of Pittsburgh, PA; and great-grandson, Reuben Anderson.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield. Father Daniel Willenborg will preside. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Memorials may be directed to the Litchfield Public Library or Holy Family Catholic Church. Plummer Funeral Home of Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
