Obituaries
Death of Marjorie F. Leefers
Marjorie F. Leefers died at her home on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at the age 92. She was born on September 8, 1930, in Gillespie to Paul and Zelma (Besanceney) Lancaster.
Marjorie was married on June 23, 1951, in Gillespie to James D. Leefers of Carlinville. He preceded her in death in 2013. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Bob, and his wife, Naomi; an infant sister, Betty; and sister-in-law, Daisy Lancaster.
Marjorie graduated from Gillespie High School in 1948. She worked at Lesem’s Dept. Store in Gillespie from 1948 to 1951. She then worked in Carlinville at Walker’s Dime Store and Montgomery Wards Order Office. From 1962-1989, she worked for Schien Body and Equipment Co. as a bookkeeper. She then worked for Konneker-Brown from 1990 until she retired in June of 1994.
She was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ where she served on several committees including volunteering at the Carlinville Food Pantry. She was a Charter Member of the Elk’s Ladies Organization and held several offices in that organization. She was chosen by the Carlinville Elk’s Lodge and the West Central District in 1999-2000 as Elk Lady of the Year. In February 2000, she was honored by the Carlinville Elk’s Lodge with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Marge enjoyed collecting news articles on family and friends and many other items in scrapbooks. She also kept a lot of information on the Elk’s Organization for her husband, Jim. She did a great deal of research on the family genealogy of both sides of her and Jim’s families. She enjoyed sewing, making blankets and quilts for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also liked putting puzzles together.
Her happiest times were when the family would get together for a pot-luck dinner. She loved watching the grandchildren and great-grandchildren all play ball, hunt Easter Eggs, open Christmas presents, and have fun all together. She loved traveling to the Elk’s National Conventions with her husband Jim. It gave her a chance to see so many different fascinating ways of life. She also liked to collect small pencil sharpeners which she had over 300 at one time and Pillsbury dough-boy items, along with going to auctions with Jim and collecting Fostoria Glass.
She is survived by two sons, Paul D. (Holly) of Litchfield and James L. (Tina) of Coffeen; a daughter, Gail (Jack) Sanson of Carlinville; five grandchildren, Michelle (Doug) Wernsing of Litchfield, Karie (Greg) Pollard of Girard, Adam Leefers and his partner Katie Barnhart of Grand Rapids, MI., Matthew (Alicia) Leefers of Dalton City, and A.J. (Abby) Sanson of Wentzville, MO; six great-grandchildren, Landon Paul Wernsing and Carter Dean Wernsing of Litchfield, Henry Cole Pollard of Girard, Nolan James Leefers of Dalton City, Reilly Grace Sanson of Wentzville, MO, and Aiden Wayne Barnhart Leefers of Grand Rapid, MI; brother, Bill Lancaster of Gillespie; as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Carlinville. Burial will be in Moore Cemetery.
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
Comments
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.
