Obituaries
Death of Marie Kasubke
Marie Kasubke, 81 of Staunton, passed away at 12:55 AM on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Hitz Memorial Home in Alhambra. She was born on December 29, 1942, in Litchfield the daughter of the late John and Ella (Michuda) Tjaden. She married Don Kasubke on March 16, 1963, at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton and he survives.
Marie was employed as a receptionist at many doctor offices in Staunton and later was a receptionist for Cisler Real Estate in Staunton. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and Zion Altar Guild of Staunton. She and Don were part of the first five husband and wives team EMT’s that started the Staunton Area Ambulance Service in the mid 1970’s, St. Louis Cardinals season ticket holder for 25 years, graduate of Hickey School of Business in St. Louis, MO, and past president and member of the Staunton Junior Service Club.
She is survived by her husband, Don Kasubke of Staunton; three children, Bruce (Mary Ann) Kasubke of Mexico, MO, Lisa (Ryan) Lackey of Kingwood, Texas, and Bret (Michelle) Kasubke of Dardenne Prairie, MO; seven grandchildren, Elizabeth & Sarah Kasubke, Rachel & Lauren Lackey, Katlyn (Jake), Ella, and Luke Kasubke; and a sister-in-law, Karen Pacey of St. Louis, MO.
Friends may call from 9 to 11 AM on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton with Rev. Phil Girardin officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton.
Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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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.
