Obituaries
Death of Robert Lee “Bob” Schmidt
Robert Lee “Bob” Schmidt, 92 of Litchfield, passed away Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 2:55 p.m. at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. He was born on August 16, 1929, in Litchfield, a son of Henry L. and Lydia C. (Grosenheider) Schmidt.
He attended West Point Grade School west of Litchfield, Zion Lutheran Grade School, and graduated from Litchfield High School with the class of 1947. Mr. Schmidt was a farmer, farming alongside his father and brother Vernon for many years.
He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1951-1955. He was first stationed at the 5th Air Force Base in Seoul, Korea where he served as a telecommunicator. He was later stationed at Warner Robbins, Georgia and Grand Prairie, TX. While serving in Texas, he married the former Billie June Burden on January 24, 1955. She preceded him in death on February 19, 1971. On December 8, 1973, he married Naomi (Furlow) Norris and she survives.
Mr. Schmidt was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield where he served as an Elder, a Sunday School teacher for many years, and a member of the church choir. He also volunteered for the local Meals on Wheels program for many years.
In addition to his wife Naomi, Mr. Schmidt is survived by his son, Kurt Schmidt of Menifee, CA; his daughter, Rebecca (Roger) Bergman of Litchfield; step-sons, Ron (Pam) Norris of Litchfield and Mike Norris of St. Peters, MO; step-daughter, Teresa Norris of Litchfield; grandchildren, Jarrod (Maya) Bergman, Derek (Brittany Wagner) Bergman, Cameron (Jillian) Norris, Trisha (John) Hoagland, and Kate (Scott) Lovelady; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Bergman, Elise Bergman, Ava Hoagland, Easton Hoagland, Aleyna Canady, Cole Lovelady, Ryan Lovelady, Kailee Lovelady, Brenden Lovelady, Jace Norris, Brice Norris, Emma Norris, and Rowan Norris; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Schmidt was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Billie; his brothers, Harold and Vernon; his sister, Betty Wilhelms; and infant brother and sister.
Funeral services for Mr. Schmidt will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield with Rev. Fred Kraemer officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. The family suggests memorials to Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield 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.
