Obituaries
Death of Orville Herman Franke
Orville Herman Franke, 92 of Rural Litchfield, died at his residence on Tuesday, October 18, 2022. He was born on November 18, 1929, in Rural Litchfield to Herman Arno Franke and Clara Marie Boehme Franke.
He married Bernean Ida Bentlage Franke on June 12, 1955, in New Douglas. She preceded him in death on July 10, 2022. He was a farmer. He was a veteran of the US Army after having served during Korea. Orville was a member of the 4H growing up. He was also a golden glove boxer heavyweight division.
He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church where he was a board member and a choir member. He taught also taught Bible classes, Bethel Series. Orville served on the Macoupin Co Farm Bureau Board. He enjoyed gardening, pinochle and telling stories.
He is survived by his children, De Ann (David) Park of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Carl (Sandy) Franke of Jamestown, ND, Jenean Galvan of Des Moines, IA, Glen (Shelle) Franke of Hoopeston, IL, Mary (Brad) Weidner of Bunker Hill, and Sara (Matt) Harbaugh of Oak Harbor, WA; grandchildren, Ben (Jennifer) Park, Neil Park (significant other, Victoria Gates), Kurt (Tara) Franke, Scott (Sam) Franke, Jay (Shelby) Franke, Zachary Simmons, Marc Simmons, Andrew (Katy) Franke, Kelsey (Justin) Halikias, Will Franke, Megan (Trevor) Hebert, Steven Weidner, Matthew Weidner, Mariah Harbaugh, and Sadie Harbaugh; great-grandchildren, Grant Park, Grayson Park, Hunter Franke, and Sawyer Franke; and sister, Geneva Armour of Carlinville.
Orville was preceded in death by his parents; spouse; son in law, Ron Galvan; sister, Orlean Hosto; and brothers-in-law, Gilbert Hosto and Wendell Armour.
The family would like to thank the following caregivers that helped Orville over the past years, Kimmie, Ashli, Annette, Mary, Micah, and Jessie.
Friends may call on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Funeral services are Monday, October 24, 2022, at 10:00 am a Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Gillespie.
Burial will be at Elm Lawn Cemetery, Litchfield. Memorials are suggested to Partnership For Educational Excellence District 7, Gillespie – Benld Area Ambulance Service, or Gillespie Chapter FFA. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the 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.
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