Obituaries
Death of Melba Marie Eichen
Melba Marie Eichen, 97 of Carlinville, passed away January 22, 2022, at Heritage Health of Carlinville as a result of COVID-19. She was born on September 3, 1924, the eldest of six to Harry and Loretta Schaefer Klaus.
Due to a difficult labor, she had the unusual-for-the-era privilege of being born in St. John’s Hospital in Springfield instead of in their farmhouse near Nilwood. She started first grade at Prairie Chapel School and completed her rural school education at Honey Point School graduating 8th grade as one of the top students in Macoupin County.
Melba began secondary education with Carlinville High School class of 1942 but withdrew due to illness and ultimately earned her diploma from American School of Chicago. She was a lifelong learner and avid reader focusing on current events, agriculture and farm issues, and biographies. She instilled her love of knowledge and books in her younger siblings, children, and grandson.
Melba lived in Honey Point Township most of her life but in the two years her dad rented a farm in Brushy Mound Township she met a young farmer. She and Morrell Eichen were married April 4, 1948, in Carlinville and were together for 64 years until Morrell’s death in 2012. They lived in Honey Point until they moved to Carlinville in 1999 residing on the Macoupin County Historical Society grounds where Morrell served as a caretaker.
They had a son, Lynn, and nearly ten years later a daughter, Peggy Ann. Melba’s only grandchild, Sage, didn’t arrive until she was 75 and she loved being Grandma. Despite chronic health issues and many hospitalizations, Melba was a dedicated homemaker, farm wife, and devoted mom, and involved in clubs. As a girl, she was a proud member of Sunnyside of Honey Point 4-H Club and the program’s importance has continued in her family.
Both her children were active in 4-H, her daughter is a volunteer 4-H leader in Missouri and her grandson is studying sustainable agriculture and 4-H program development at University of Missouri. Melba was a member of Shaws Point Home Bureau, Friendly Neighbors Club, and the Atwater Sewing Club, enjoying friendship and food over the years. She and Morrell were early members of the Macoupin County Historical Society and Macoupin Agricultural Antiques Association where she volunteered many hours and made good friends.
Melba enjoyed words whether writing, solving crossword puzzles, or playing word games. She won several slogan-writing contests in her younger days including one with a prize of cash and a new Case tractor. A talented cook and baker she made countless double batches of chocolate chip cookies to supply her son, hay crews, and anyone who dropped in. Her BBQ beef sandwiches, Caesar salad, homemade ice cream, and a variety of desserts, cookies, candy, jelly, and pickles were enjoyed by all. No one left her house hungry.
She created unique holiday ornaments for years as gifts for everyone she knew. And she tolerated an endless parade of cats, dogs, birds, fish, bugs, and pet raccoons in the house over the years. She loved and encouraged her family and extended family and always took pride in their accomplishments.
Melba is survived by her daughter, Peggy Ann Eichen (Gary Burch) of Prairie Home, MO; daughter-in-law, Donna Coonrod of Carlinville; grandson, Sage Eichenburch of Prairie Home, MO; brother, Loren (Norma) Klaus of The Woodlands, TX; sister, Margaret ‘Peggy’ Klaus of Carlinville; sister, Beverly (Jim) Holler of Platteville, WI; sister-in-law, Jean Klaus of Carlinville; and valued nieces and nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Lynn Eichen; brother, Robert ‘Bob’ Klaus; sister, Norma Keagy; brother-in-law, Russell Keagy; sister-in-law, Marilyn Eichen; sister-in-law, Marcella ‘Sally’ Kaufman; and brother-in-law, Robert Kaufman.
No services are planned. A celebration of life will be held later when it is safer for gatherings. Memorials are suggested to Macoupin County Historical Society or Macoupin Agricultural Antique Association. Davis Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Eugene A. “Gene” Bentrup, age 86 of rural Staunton, passed away at 5:15 PM on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Staunton Health & Rehab Center in Staunton. He was born on Tuesday, March 15, 1938, in Staunton, the son of the late Louis and Ella (Heigert) Bentrup.
He married Shirley Repovich on June 9, 1962, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Livingston and she survives.
Gene served our country in the United States Army. He was employed as a grain inspector for Toberman Grain & Feed Company in East St. Louis for many years. He enjoyed gardening, mowing grass, shopping with Shirley, traveling with the Goldenaires Club, bowling, and table games.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Bentrup of rural Staunton, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother in infancy, Otto Bentrup.
Friends may call from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston. Funeral services for Gene Bentrup will be held at 11 AM on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston with Rev. Fr. Thomas Hagstrom officiating.
Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton with the Staunton Veterans Honor Guard conducting graveside military rites. Memorials are suggested to either Heartland Hospice, St. Michael Catholic Church of Staunton, or to the charity of the donor’s choice
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Wanda Kaye (Huffman) Bernot, 77 of Benld, was freed from the shackles of Alzheimer’s Disease on April 22, 2024. She passed peacefully with family by her side at Community Hospital of Staunton. A poetic end for she was a selfless person.
Wanda was born on September 7, 1946, in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of the late Vernon and Gladys (Conner) Huffman. She was raised in Staunton and was a graduate of Staunton High School. She married Pete Bernot on February 20, 1965, in Benld. They lived in Benld where they raised their only child, Jeff.
Wanda dedicated her time to a career in public service by working for the State of Illinois. Much of her work for the state was spent with the Department of Public Aid as a caseworker and director in the Carlinville field office. She was also a member of the Croatian Fraternal Union.
Wanda never shied away from helping people. After retirement, she served as Benld’s City Clerk and served on the Gillespie CUSD#7 Site Selection Committee for the location of the new elementary school.
She leaves behind her son, Jeffrey A. Bernot of Benld; her grandchildren, Rylee Bernot (Cassidy) of Benld, Peyton Bernot of Benld, and Ashleigh Feldmann (Daniel) of Staunton; great-grandchildren, Elexia, Jace, Jax, and Emreigh; a sister, Rita Soens of Williamson; a niece, Sherry Warren (Mike); and great-nieces, Shelby and McKenzie.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Pete, who passed away on April 21, 2018.
Friends may call from 4 to 7 PM on Monday, April 29, 2024, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton with Pastor Dane Solari officiating.
Memorials are suggested to The Partnership for Educational Excellence for the Pete & Wanda Bernot Scholarship Fund.
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Rodney Lee McQuaid, 62 of Shipman, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at home. He was born on January 31, 1962, in Alton, the son of the late Roy “RD” and Ramona Kay (Moran) McQuaid.
Rodney married the love of his life Sherry Lynn Whitten on October 12, 1984, in Alton. She preceded him in death in 2020. Together they enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family, always spoiling their nieces and nephews whom they dearly loved. He was a manager at Speedway Salvage and could usually be found getting into trouble on his tractor.
Rodney is survived by his brother, Skip (Marcia) McQuaid; sister, Sherrie (Randy) Durbin; five nieces and nephews; five great nieces and nephews; and sister-in-law, Gloria Joyce.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sherry Lynn, and parents, RD and Kay McQuaid.
Visitation will be held from 10 am until the time of funeral service at Noon on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton. Burial will follow at Shipman Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Parkinson’s Foundation.
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