Obituaries
Death of Mark Daniel Blackburn
Mark Daniel Blackburn, 55 of Galesburg, formerly of Carlinville, passed away on January 13, 2023 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria. Mark was born on March 9, 1967, to Lennis and Jean (Willis) Blackburn in Springfield. He was happily married to Tami Shreves.
Mark graduated from Carlinville High School in 1985. Mark earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Illinois-Springfield and a master of business administration degree with a concentration in finance from Saint Louis University. Mark had been with First Mid since 1994. He had 30 years of commercial lending experience and was the Director of Healthcare Financing for First Mid. In addition to serving as Community President of the Galesburg and Knoxville bank offices of First Mid, he had 27 years of commercial lending service to the Galesburg and surrounding communities.
For nearly 30 years, Mark has been active in the community in numerous executive leadership roles. He has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Galesburg Cottage Hospital, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bridgeway, Inc., Chairman of the Board of Directors of GREDA, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Knox County Civic Center Authority and in Board member leadership roles in many other organizations.
Mark was a man of God and a friend to everyone. He was very much involved within his community and always would lend a helping hand. He loved to travel. His favorite trips were vacations with his wife and ATV rides in West Virginia. He was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors. If you ever took a ride with Mark, you were only going to hear Elvis tunes as his love for him began when he was a child. The most important part of Mark’s life was his family. His grandkids were the apples of his eye.
Mark is survived by his wife, Tami Blackburn of Galesburg, IL; five children, Lauren (Jordan) Blackburn-Williams of O’Fallon, Holly Blackburn of O’Fallon, Buddy (Jessie) Herron of Knoxville, IL, Savannah (Steven) Sopher of Abingdon, IL, and Haylee Sopher of Warner Robins, GA; seven grandchildren, AJ, Ava, Aria, Lane, Jade, Penelope, and Jettson; sister, Becky Whitler of Carlinville; sister-in-law, Allynn Walker; two nieces, Michelle (Jeff) Walter and Laura (Tim) McNeill; and two nephews, Luke (Rebecca) Blackburn and Greg (Danlee) Whitler.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David Blackburn.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 18 at 10 am at Carlinville First Assembly of God Church. Funeral to follow at 11 am with Rev. Phil Schneider and Rev. Allynn Walker officiating. Private burial to follow in Mayfield Memorial Park Cemetery in Carlinville. Memorials suggested to Carlinville First Church. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
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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.
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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.
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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.
