Obituaries
Death of Frederick “Ted” George Behrens
Frederick “Ted” George Behrens, 77, of Gillespie, passed away Friday, October 28, 2022, at 8:16 PM at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis surrounded by his loving family.
Ted was born in Waukegan, IL on October 7, 1945, to Dr. Frederick A. (Ted) and Mary (Haddad) Behrens.
In addition to his parents and grandparents, Ted was preceded in death by a niece, Krista Schaefer, Uncles Carl (Harriet) Behrens and Alfred (Irene) and Alex (Margaret) Haddad, Aunt Vanita Haddad, and several cousins.
Ted is survived by his beloved sister, Pamela ‘Pam’ Schaefer, of Hillsboro, and his “kids” — nieces Janeen (Mike) Griewing of Edwardsville, Danelle (Buddy) Bartels of Mahomet, and nephew Thomas ‘Tommy’ (girlfriend Ashley) Justison, of Hillsboro.
He was also blessed with two great-nieces, Marinne and Estella Bartels, three great-nephews, Kameron Bartels and Brayden and Eastyn Griewing, and many wonderful friends.
Ted graduated from Gillespie High School in 1963 and attended Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville before bravely answering the call of his country to join The United States Marine Corps in 1965, where he served in ‘America’s Battalion’—The Trinity — 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. Fortes Fortuna Juvat – Fortune Favors the Brave.
He was deployed to Viet Nam in 1965, where he served valiantly protecting his brothers-in-arms in Chu Lai and Da Nang in central Viet Nam.
His service to his country was dually a great sense of personal pride and the continuance of a proud family tradition, with his father serving in WWII and his grandfather in WWI.
Upon returning from the Viet Nam War, he began work as an architectural draftsman/estimator in St. Louis, where he later retired.
More than work, he enjoyed most his many hobbies and especially time with his family. He always chose family over material gain and made incredible effort to be at every event to support his ‘kids’. He truly understood the value in quality time and unconditional love.
He was an incredibly gifted musician. He began playing piano at age 6 and never stopped. Ray Charles was a great inspiration to his music, among many others. His favorite song was What’d I Say.
He also played guitar and keyboard for many years in the local band Fat Chance, which had recently returned from retirement. He said he was like ‘A kid in the candy shop,’ having the opportunity to entertain the audience once again.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing, and watching football and baseball. He was an avid fan and could often be found on gameday tailgating the Illinois Illini, St. Louis Rams, and St. Louis Cardinals.
He always had a passion for vehicles, reminiscing often of his Yellow Corvette Stingray and later picking up the Harley-Davidson motorcycle at age 50. He most recently acquired and had been restoring a beautiful 1969 Buick Riveria GS – His dream car.
He was a brilliant mind, and always up for an intellectual spar—especially if it had to do with politics, history, militaria, or strategy.
He was a lifelong learner and had the great fortune to travel to many of the historic sites he loved learning so much about. He especially loved having the opportunity to attend many USMC reunions and spend time with his dear friends locally.
He was also a member of Gillespie’s Zion Lutheran Church—a church cofounded by his great-grandparents.
It is no surprise that Ted was voted ‘Most Popular’ in High School. His boisterous laugh, beautiful hazel eyes, toothy grin, and booming voice charmed us all.
Although someone in life who exhibited exceptional humility, his family knows him for the American Hero, the family patriarch, the protector, the father and grandfather figure and the all-around brilliant and loving man he was.
His loyalty, his dependability, his generosity, his support and investment in family at any and every chance he had, his appreciation for life, his intellectual curiosity, his lifelong selflessness and duty to his country and fellow person are all examples not only for all of us to follow but are an incredible legacy of a life dedicated to making anyone who had the great fortune to know Ted a world in which was truly a better place to live.
He will be ever remembered and profoundly missed as the light in his family’s life. As you requested, we Cheers your wonderful life and everlasting impact on us. Your kids and your family love you dearly. Until we meet again.
Visitation: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM Friday, November 4, 2022 at Kravanya Funeral Home – Gillespie.
Funeral Service: 2:00 PM, Friday, November 4, 2022 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church – Gillespie, with Pastor Stefan Munker officiating.
Burial will follow at the family plot located within Gillespie City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, Wounded Warrior Project, or a charity of the donor’s choice in honor of Ted’s passions.
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With profound sadness we announce the passing of Leonard, our loving and devoted father and friend to all whose lives he touched, on January 19, 2025. He left us while sleeping peacefully after a dignified fight with pancreatic cancer in his 83rd year.
He was born August 12, 1942, in Carlinville, a son of the late Leo and Flora Belle Lott. After graduating high school at Carlinville High School, Leonard completed his associate’s degree at University of Illinois in agriculture. Leonard was a successful and well-respected farmer. He received the centennial farm honor in 2014. He was proud to “retire” at age 55, when he chose to rent out the land to the Miller family. Their relationship developed over the years and was one of the things Leonard was most proud of and cherished.
Leonard’s other prized relationship was with his wife, Susan. They celebrated their 50-year wedding anniversary July 24, 2023. While farming and contributing to the community, Leonard generously supported his children and their education. Alandra earned a BA in Special Education, a MEd in Education, and a PhD in Educational Psychology. She was a beloved professor at Benedictine University for 22 years and now is an educational consultant. Christopher earned his associates degree and now operates a vending company in Carlinville. Hunter, granddaughter, is currently in her third year of medical school.
Leonard was always the first to volunteer to be her “patient”, even as a little girl in bibbers and braids. Harrison, grandson, made Leonard proud with his excellence in school and sports. Education was important to Leonard, and he never hesitated to invest in or to teach his children and grandchildren. He believed the “highest level of education is tolerance”. (Helen Keller) He modeled that virtue with discipline and hard work. He was strong, but kind. He will be missed.
Mr. Lott was predeceased by his father, Leo Lott and mother Flora Belle (Ballinger) Lott.
Survivors include his wife, Susan (Daggett) Lott; daughter, Alandra (Weller) Devall; son, Christopher Lott; granddaughter, Hunter Clarke; and grandson, Harrison Lott.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, 9:00 to 11:00 am at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Carlinville. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:30 am, Thursday, January 23, 2025 at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Carlinville. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery, Carlinville, IL.
Memorials may be made to Carlinville High School Agriculture department or the Alzheimer’s Association. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
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William Clifford Heyen, 94 of Gillespie, died at Carlinville Rehab Center, Carlinville on Thursday, January 16, 2025. He was born on March 16, 1930, in Dorchester to William L. Heyen and Marie E. Kelly Heyen.
He married Marilyn M. (Lynch) Heyen on May 6, 1950 in Shipman. She preceded him in death on May 1, 2017. William was a farmer, co owner of Heyen Implement and Pastor of New Birth Fellowship. He enjoyed growing flowers, cutting grass, and going to farm sales.
He is survived by his children, William R. (LouAnn) Heyen of Gillespie, James O. Heyen of Edwardsville, Cathy (Gary) Zenner of Kiefer, OK, and Beverly (Terry) Moore of Gillespie; grandchildren, Bill Heyen, Ben Heyen, Ashley Sarver, Shanna Ocepek, Elizabeth Brandt, Amanda Weber, Jessica Voros, Tiffany Cockrell, Zachary Moore, Jeremy Moore, Brad Moore, and Kerry Bruhn; 22 great grandchildren; siblings, Kelly W. (Ruby) Heyen of Gillespie, David L. Heyen of Dorchester, and Florence Easton of Gillespie; sister in law, Roberta Heyen; and brother in law, Bill Parmentier.
William was preceded in death by his parents; spouse; grandchildren in law, Jacob Brandt and Seth Weber; brother, Wayne I Heyen; and sisters, Faye Heyen, Shirley Hausman and Phyllis Parmentier.
Friends may call on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Gillespie Methodist Church in Gillespie from 3:30 until 6:30 p.m. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Gillespie Methodist Church.
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners Hospitals for Children PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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Steven Dwaine French, 32 of Wilsonville, died at his residence on Thursday, January 16, 2025. He was born on October 21, 1992, in Decatur to Perry D. French and Victoria L. Mays French.
He was a forklift operator for D. B. Schenker of Edwardsville. Steven loved fishing, hunting and camping with his children and family.
He is survived by his parents, Perry and Victoria French of Galatia; soul mate of 15 years, Kaylee Scroggins of Wilsonville; children, Raylynn French of Wilsonville, Kobey French of Wilsonville, and Journee French of Wilsonville; siblings, Britney (Roy) Lagesse of Harrisburg, IL, Ashley French of Harrisburg, IL, and Keegan French of Harrisburg; grandmother, Linda Mays of Harrisburg; aunt, Cathy Snyder of Vincennes, IN; Kaylee’s parents, Toni Smith and Anthony Scroggins; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Steven was preceded in death by his grandparents, Keith Mays, Gaylan and Sandra French; nephew, Kollin Lagesse; uncle, Corey French; and aunt, Edie Mays.
Visitation will be on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Bunker Hill from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm. Memorials are suggested to the children of Steven French. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
