Obituaries
Death of Nancy Faye Schmidt
Nancy Faye Schmidt, 81 of Gillespie, died at Barnes Jewish Hospital on Monday, April 17, 2023. She was born on April 11, 1942, in Alton to Edwin Langendorf and Wilma (Henke) Langendorf of Midway.
She grew up in Midway with her parents and sister, JoAnn (Langendorf) Matevey. She went to Yorkville Elementary School and graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1960. She met her husband, Weye Harold Schmidt of Gillespie at a dance in Bunker Hill in March 1959, and they were later married on December 22, 1961.
She moved with Weye to Gillespie where they built their home and raised their two children, Weye Dean Schmidt of Gillespie and Lori Jean (Schmidt) Hamilton of Edwardsville. Nancy was a dedicated wife, mother, homemaker, and farmer, helping Weye tend the Schmidt family farm for 44 years until his retirement in 2005.
She was a woman of steadfast faith and an active member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gillespie, where she also worked as the church secretary from 1977 to 2004. She effortlessly balanced each of these roles with being “G” and “GG” to her six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved to spoil with home-cooked meals, her famous cookies, and endless love and attention. She never missed the chance to cheer on her grandchildren in their endeavors, whether in the grandstands or next to her radio listening to WSMI coverage at home.
She also loved gardening and prided herself on having beautiful flowers and perfectly maintained landscaping year-round. She enjoyed going on evening bike rides, watching Cardinals baseball games, and traveling with her husband. Together, they made countless memories on vacations.
Nancy was a friend to all she met and always willing to lend a listening and empathic ear. She was a trusted advisor to her children and grandchildren and was selfless in her efforts to care and provide for her family. She enriched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Weye; her sister, JoAnn (Jim) Matevey; her son, Weye D. (Nancy) Schmidt; her daughter, Lori J. Hamilton; her grandchildren, Adam W. (Mackenzie) Schmidt, Erika M. Schmidt, Amanda L. Schmidt, Emily G. Schmidt, Jessica M. Hamilton, and Mitchell J. Hamilton; her great-grandchildren, Weston W., Addalyn J., and Hattie F. Schmidt; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gillespie with a funeral service immediately to follow. She will be buried in Gillespie City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church or the Partnership for Educational Excellence.
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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.
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