Obituaries
Death of Janet K. Seketa
Janet Kay Seketa, 74, of Gillespie, passed away at her home, surrounded by her husband, daughter, sister, grandchildren, in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins, and many other family members and friends, on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 11:56 a.m. She was born in Litchfield, on May 27, 1949, to Joseph G. Reiniesch and Eleanore J. (Kulenkamp) Reiniesch.
Janet married her husband, Paul “PJ” Seketa, on October 9, 1999, in Benld. She graduated from Gillespie High School with the class of 1967. She worked at United Community Bank, formerly Peoples State Bank, for 32 years. She started her career as a teller and retired as the branch manager of the Gillespie location. She was a member of Town and Country HCE, formerly Home Extension Gillespie Night Unit, for many years, and she was a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union Benld 217. She enjoyed playing cards with her family at every occasion and played in a local pinochle club with her friends for over 30 years. An avid reader, crocheter, and Dolly Parton fan, Janet also loved camping and watching game shows with her faithful companion, Bella.
Janet is survived by her husband, her daughter, Rebecca Ann (Kelley) Hatlee of Gillespie; her sister, Ruth Ann (Thomas) Garbin of Sawyerville; her grandchildren, Marshall Hatlee of Chicago, Megan Hatlee, Luke Hatlee, and Levi Hatlee, all of Gillespie; her sister-in-law, Peggy Reiniesch of Gillespie, her mother-in-law, Patricia Seketa of Benld; her brother-in-law, John Seketa of Clemson, SC; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is also survived by her “most genuine friend,” Anne Gansz of Carlinville. Janet was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, David and Connie Reiniesch; her brother, Michael Reiniesch; and her nephew, Charles “Chuckie” Reiniesch.
Family and friends are welcome to attend the celebration of life service, which will be held at the altar at the Holly Cross Cemetery in Gillespie on Saturday, May 18, at 11 a.m. Throughout the years, Janet and PJ’s home has been a place where family and friends come together for any occasion. To honor Janet, her family will welcome guests at her home following the services.
Memorials are suggested to the Partnership for Educational Excellence or the Gillespie Public Library. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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Richard B. Sereg, 91 of Gillespie, died at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield on Thursday, January 9, 2025. He was born on January 12, 1933, in Litchfield to Peter E. Sereg and Sylvia C. Berti Sereg.
He married JoAnn Wiegand Sereg on August 6, 1955, in Carlinville. She preceded him in death on April 18, 1995. He was retired after having been an industrial chrome plater for Olin Machine Shop.
Richard was a veteran of the US Army after having served from 1953-1955. He was a life member of the VFW Post 4547 of Gillespie. Richard was also a member of the K of C Council 2076 of Gillespie, Bishop McNicholas Assembly Fourth Degree K of C, Gillespie Lions Club, Holy Cross Cemetery Board and a former alderman for the City of Gillespie.
He is survived by his son, Mark L. Sereg of Gillespie; daughter, Tracy (Terry) Soots of Gillespie; granddaughter, Abby (Mark) Enslow; great-grandchildren, Brayden, Brycen, and Braxtyn; and sister, Mary Jane Kalvin of Gillespie.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, spouse, and sister, Sylvia Denham.
Friends may call on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at SS Simon & Jude Church in Gillespie from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Funeral mass will be on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 12:00 pm at SS Simon & Jude Church in Gillespie. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Gillespie.
Memorials are suggested to Gillespie Public Library or Holy Cross Cemetery in Gillespie. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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Eugene Lee Frizzo, 85 of Kirkwood, MO, a former Staunton resident, passed away at 7:45 AM on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Brooking Place of Chesterfield, MO. He was born on January 15, 1939, in Staunton the son of the late Joseph and Ruby Delores “Dee” (Sherfy) Frizzo.
He married Lanida D. Jacobs on June 16, 1962, at First United Methodist Church in Staunton and she passed away on January 27, 2022. Gene was a retired Vice President with Roosevelt Bank, an Army veteran, and was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Alton. He was also active in the Rotary Club and was a past member of the Madison County Board and the Alton School Board.
He is survived by one daughter, Lainee Frizzo (husband Joshua Wallace); one grandson, Keegan Forrest; and one sister, JoAnn Gibbs.
The family will greet friends from 12 noon to 3 PM on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimers’ Association.
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Barbara Ann “Barb” Butts, 80 of Litchfield, passed away at 9:25 a.m. Friday, January 10, 2025, at Litchfield Health and Rehab Center. She was born in Litchfield on October 6, 1944, the daughter of Frederick George and Alice Dolores (Lay) Butts.
Barb was a graduate of Litchfield High School with the class of 1963. She was a nurse’s aide and through the years was employed at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield and Memorial Hospital in Springfield. In more recent years, Barb was a domestic housekeeper and in home care giver. She was a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church in Litchfield and a 50-year member of Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 430, in Gillespie.
Barb is survived by several cousins including Lynne Ellen Kollack, Diane Roth, and Keith Lay McKimmey.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred Butts on May 14, 1984, and Dolores Butts on April 6, 2012.
Funeral services for Barb will be held at First Baptist Church of Litchfield at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025. The Rev. Dr. Jason Plumer will officiate. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time.
The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to Adopt-A-Pet in Benld, or First Baptist Church of Litchfield. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements
