Nelson L. Marasti, 82 of Gillespie, died at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield on Friday, January 21, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. He was born on January 14, 1940, in Staunton to Nello J. Marasti and Leona Salter Marasti. He married Beverly Togliatti Marasti on August 5, 1961, in Wilsonville.
He was retired after having been a coal miner for Monterey Coal Co. He was a veteran of the US Army. Nelson was a member of the UMW 1613 and SS Simon and Jude Church. He was a charter member of the Gillespie Bass Club. Nelson was an avid fisherman who enjoyed his wife and family.
He is survived by his spouse, Beverly Marasti of Gillespie; daughter, Lisa (Peter) Evans of Jerseyville; grandchildren, Emily Ann (Taryn) Stark of Monona, WI, Alexandra Irene Evans of Maplewood, MO, and Matthew Nelson Evans of Jerseyville; great-grandchild, Rory Oliver Stark; sister, Jeanette Dumez of Gillespie; sister in law and brother in law, Janice and Mike Mathis of Gillespie; and three nieces.
Nelson was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Julius Marasti; and brother in law, Robert Dumez.
Friends may call on Friday, January 28, 2022, at SS Simon & Jude Church, Gillespie from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Funeral mass will follow on Friday at the church. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Gillespie.
The family asks that COVID guidelines be followed including mandatory masks. Due to COVID, no luncheon will be held. Memorials are suggested to Masses, SS Simon & Jude Church, Gillespie or St. Francis Holy Ghost School, Jerseyville. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.