Obituaries
Death of James Edward Wendt
James Edward Wendt, 88, of Litchfield, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2023, at 8:55 pm at Litchfield Health and Rehab in Litchfield. He was born December 29, 1934, in Evergreen Park, the son of Roy Edward and Lorene Katherine (Knutson) Wendt. Having a summer wedding, James and his bride, Betty Ann Zeaske, were wed on June 5, 1955, in Peru, and she survives.
He was an honorable Veteran of the U.S Army – SP4 – Signal Corps, 1957-1959. Mr. Wendt was a member of the Teamsters Local 705 in Chicago. He drove for Northshore Truck Lines, Buske Lines, Schmidt Trucking, and Nestlé Corp. James accomplished the Million Mile award while driving for Nestle Corp, as he drove all over the United States and Canada. When he wasn’t working over the road, James loved spending time with his family and traveling with his wife. He was also a member of the Mt. Moriah Lodge #51 A.F and A.M. for 50 years, Order of the Eastern Star in Peru, and of the Litchfield Boat and Ski Club.
In addition to his wife, Betty, Mr. Wendt is survived by his son Gary (Colleen) Wendt of Carlinville, their daughter Susan (Donald) Sperry of La Grange, NC., and three grandchildren, Carter Bray and Roban Bray. Mr. Wendt is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert Wendt.
Funeral services for James will be at the First Presbyterian Church in Litchfield, starting at 12:00 noon, Friday, October 20, 2023. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of service. Rev. Gary Schwab will officiate. Private family inurnment will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery. The family asks for memorial to be directed to First Presbyterian Church in Litchfield.
Plummer Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family. To sign the online guestbook, light a virtual candle or for directions, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.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.
