Obituaries
Death of James E. Kiffmeyer
James E. Kiffmeyer, 77, of Bunker Hill, Illinois, passed away on Monday, June 4, 2012 while traveling to be with his family in Edwardsville, as he did every single day. He was born on March 20th, 1935, in Carlyle, Illinois, and was the son of the late Albert and Beatrice (Cook) Kiffmeyer.
He leaves behind his fiancée, Kay Greear, whom he has been in love with for 19 years. He came from a family with four other siblings, Robert and Teddy, who preceded Jim in death, and Sarah Rouse and Willene Bacon, who survives.
He also has three surviving children, Rita Ann Kiffmeyer, Euginia (Jeannie) Lynn Beecher (Husband, Austin) and Douglas James Kiffmeyer (Companion, Missy Cornwall). Surviving grandchildren are Morgan, Grace, and Cole Kiffmeyer, Chris, Jason, and Terry Heinemann, Brandon and Jeremy Beecher. Surviving great grandchildren are Gavin, Logan, and Megan Heinemann.
Jim attended Carlyle High School, and graduated with the class of 1953. He moved to Greenville, Illinois and began his illustrious career at Olin, where he devoted over 20 years of hard work to provide for his growing children, whom he loved dearly. The next step in Jim’s career led him to open Kiffmeyer Accounting, in Bunker Hill. The company still serves a multitude of clients to this day, and his youngest son, Douglas, will continue Jim’s legacy with the business, which now has locations in Maryville, Illinois, and East Alton, Illinois.
When Jim found time to get away from work, he loved to fish at Carlyle Lake with his son and grandchildren. He also was an avid participant with the Bunker Hill Volunteer Fire Dept and is personally responsible for saving the lives of several members of his community. He was also a member of the Bunker Hill Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed telling stories and jokes.
Jim had a passion for helping others succeed and was always able to bring out the best in every individual he crossed paths with. He loved and encouraged those around him, and the words “You can’t” were never a part of his vocabulary.
He was a wise man with countless meaningful stories that inspired positivity. He was also a great father, grandfather, and mentor. You will be sorely missed Dad, we love you!
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm on Friday, June 8, 2012 at Kravanya Funeral Home, Bunker Hill, IL.
Services are Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 10:30 am at Greater Alton Church of East Alton, IL with Rev. Jeremy Wood and Rev. Robert Cox officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Carlyle, IL. Memorials may be made to Bunker Hill Fire Department or Illinois Center for Autism.
Anyone wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com.
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Charles M. Crays, 64 of Carlinville, passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 7:50 p.m. He was born October 24, 1961, in Carlinville to Charles J. Crays and Dorothy Louise Johnston Crays. He married Darla K. Hankins Crays in Carlinville.
Charles was a longtime iron worker and retired from the trade. He was a devoted member of the Carlinville Moose Lodge and the Carlinville Masonic Lodge, and he took pride in helping others in his community.
Charles is survived by his wife, Darla Crays, of Carlinville; his stepchildren Crystal (Clint) Downs of Louisiana, Toby (Denni) Paxton of Louisiana, and Joey Paxton of Louisiana; his grandson Sawyer Downs; his brother Robert L. Crays (Lettie) of Carlinville; his sisters Linda L. Crays and Julie Ann Crays, both of Waggoner; and his nephew Matthew Crays.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Carlinville Moose Lodge, or the Carlinville Masonic Lodge. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of arrangements.
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Grace “Sally” Agnes Schuerman, 74 of Nokomis, passed away at Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, MO on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 11:49 pm. She was born on December 28, 1951, in Hillsboro to the late John Whitlow and Agnes Haggarty Whitlow.
She married James Schuerman on June 7, 1975 in Decatur. She worked as a dietician, home health aide and cook. James and Sally were foster parents to many children over the years. She loved horses and her grandkids.
She is survived by her children, April Balestri (James) of Eagarville, Cris “Bill” Schuerman of Nokomis, and Crystal (Greg) Linton of Aldrich, MO; daughter in law, Kasey Schuerman; grandchildren, Paul Balestri, Gracelynn Balestri, Hunter Schuerman, and Andy Linton; brother, Guy (Norma) Whitlow of Nokomis; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; spouse; son, Charles Schuerman; sister, Rosemary (Rosie) Hopwood; brother, Sam Whitlow; and niece, Kathy Whitlow.
No services are scheduled at this time. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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Paul F. Madden, 61 of Gillespie, died at his residence on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:08 pm. He was born on September 27, 1964, in Litchfield to John Patrick Madden and Barbara Ann (Resnik) Madden Sawyer.
He married Elizabeth Ann (Morland) Madden on June 5, 2015 in Forsyth, IL. He was a sales manager in the equipment manufacturing industry. Paul was a huge golfer who also enjoyed music, playing the guitar, riding his bike, walking his dog, running and traveling.
He is survived by his spouse, Elizabeth Ann (Morland) Madden of Gillespie; daughter, Colleen (Ryan) Cash of Carlinville; step daughter, Zoey Mayo of Gillespie; brothers, John P (Betsy) Madden of St. Paul, MN, Timothy J. (Anne) Madden of Lemont, IL, and David W. (Sarah) Madden of Urbana, IL; and step father, George Sawyer of Gillespie.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mark D. Madden.
Friends may call on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 10:00 am until 11:30 am. Funeral mass will be on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at SS Simon & Jude Church in Gillespie at 12:00 pm. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Gillespie, IL.
Memorials are suggested to Partnership For Educational Excellence District #7, BJC Hospice or Siteman Cancer Center. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
