Obituaries
Death of George A. Miklos
George was born on December 22, 1934, in Benld the youngest son of Joseph Miklos and Mary Kozak Miklos. He was a graduate of Benld High School. He attended the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy. George was active in multiple clubs including the Student Council, the St Patrick’s club and was an awardee from the Board of Trustees for Student Publications. George graduated in 1957 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
George completed the United States Air Force Aviation Cadet program. His first day in the Air Force was on April 17, 1957. His assignment to Biloxi Air Force Base brought the marriage to the love of his life, Mary Cannon.
George proudly served at many Air Force installations including the Pentagon and the National Security Administration. He was the first Electronics Warfare Officer assigned to Nellis AFB and as such taught classes in electronic warfare. In 1967, he was assigned to the 357th TFW at the Royal Takhli Air Force Base during the Vietnam War.
George flew in an F105 as EWO “Buda Bear” flying one hundred missions over the Red River Valley. He was a proud original member of the Wild Weasel Association and of the River Rats Association. His awards include 3 Silver Star medals for Valor, 6 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 Air Medals, Expeditionary Medals, and Presidential unit citations, among others. In addition, George was a Master Navigator. He concluded his military service on July 1, 1977, with more than 3,000 flying hours in various aircraft.
George completed a degree in accounting and worked at the Boeing Company in the military engineering and accounting sections retiring in 1995. He remained active with the American Legion and the Military Retiree Association.
George’s family includes his loving wife of 63 years, Mary; son, Michael and wife Lisa; daughter, M. Elizabeth and husband Vern; daughter, Sharon and husband Jim; and daughter, Jo; and nine grandchildren, multiple great-grandchildren and extended family.
George was a devoted and quiet man of faith. He attended St Maximillian Kolbe Parrish at McConnell AFB. George is now in the loving arms of God as he passed quietly on May 7, 2022.
A rosary was held on May 13 at Smith Mortuary in Derby, KS. Mass of Christian burial was held on May 14 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Mulvane, KS.
Donations may be made to Society of Wild Weasels, P.O. Box 877, Silver Springs, MD 20918.
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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.
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Illinois Farm Bureau to host ‘Rules for the Road’ trucking seminar in Carlinville on March 20
Zion Lutheran School to host open house on March 18 for preschool and kindergarten programs
