Obituaries
Death of Wayne Leon “Bub” Lanter
Wayne Leon “Bub” Lanter, 88, passed away Saturday, September 3, 2022, at 9:46 p.m. at his residence in Litchfield. He was born on September 17, 1933, a son of Odell Bane and Estelle Edith Lanter in Litchfield.
Mr. Lanter graduated from Raymond High School, Class of 1951. He also graduated from Parks Air College in Cahokia with a degree in Aeronautical Mechanics and received his pilot’s license. He then went to St. Louis University in St. Louis, MO, with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Mr. Lanter served in the United States Army during the Korean War. On December 11, 1976, he married the former Evelyn LaVonne (Weathers) White and she survives.
After graduating college, Mr. Lanter was employed by Ozark Airlines. Together with his father, they owned the former Frontier Bar and Restaurant in Taylor Springs, Lanter’s Water Well Drilling, and they farmed together. He retired from Curry Redi-Mix, Litchfield Plant as a truck driver after 36 years of employment. Mr. Lanter served as the Zanesville Township Road Commissioner for several years, was a member of Teamsters Local 525, Moose Lodge 1634, and American Legion Post 436. He was a member of Union Avenue Christian Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Kelly (Timothy) Burns of Baker City, OR; brother, Jim (Sandra) Lanter of Hillsboro; sister, Sherdell Mullin of Hillsboro; three grandchildren, Grace Booth, Tara Booth and Marguerite Burns; two great-grandchildren, Charlotte Booth and Isaac Booth; special nieces, Jayne Homa Bergman and Jamie Barry Fullerton; several nieces and nephews; and special neighbors, Mike & Barb Bates.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jack Lanter; and a sister, Jane Barry.
A celebration of life will be held on Sat. September 17, 2022, on what would have been Bub’s 89 th birthday, at Lake Lou Yaeger picnic area #4 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. The family requests that attendees wear casual attire in
bright colors or Hawaiian shirts in Bub’s honor.
The family suggests memorials be made to Hart Cemetery Association or to T.E.A.M. for the Kids, P.O. Box 469, Raymond, IL 62560-0469. Plummer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Comments
JoAnn L. Semrock, 87 of Carlinville, passed away peacefully on the evening of Monday, June 9, 2025, at her daughter’s residence in Carlinville. JoAnn was born on July 1, 1937, in Columbia, SC, the daughter of David and Corrie (Hooper) Hill. She married Norman C. Semrock on April 2, 1960, in Springfield.
JoAnn, known affectionately as Jojo, was the heart of her family. Her home was a gathering place filled with joyful memories, especially Sunday dinners where she served her famous homemade spaghetti sauce. Jojo adored her eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, along with many honorary “grandkids” she lovingly adopted over the years. Jojo never missed a sporting event, dance recital, pageant, or school play, always cheering proudly from the sidelines. She loved with her whole heart, and you never had to wonder how much you meant to her.
Her passion for caring for others extended into her professional life. She began her career as a nurse, later becoming the co-founder of Zion Lutheran Preschool in Carlinville, where she served as a beloved administrator for more than 20 years.
Jojo found joy in life’s simple pleasures – reading mystery novels, tending to her flower garden, and playing weekly bridge games with dear friends. Her love, generosity, sass and strength will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Margaret and Louise; her brother, David; and her son-in-law, Kenny Hicks.
JoAnn is survived by her husband of 65 years, Norman C. Semrock of Carlinville; two daughters, Laura Hicks of Carlinville and Amy (Adrian) Walton of Carlinville; grandchildren Kaitie (Quin), Braden (Grace), Camryn (John), Chloe (Tyler), Emily, Carly (Brendan), Cory, and Will; and great-grandchildren, Turner, Evelyn, Vivienne, Hudson, Eleanor, and Reese.
To honor JoAnn’s wishes, there will be no formal services. Her family will celebrate her life privately. Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Children Hospital. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
Comments
Kenneth Ruyle, 91 of Gillespie, died at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 11:40 a.m. He was born on April 3, 1934, in Plainview to Howard Ruyle and Nina Lucille (Manuel) Ruyle.
He married Anna M. “Annie” Gregus on May 3, 1958, in Gillespie. He was a concrete contractor and finisher for many years. He enjoyed gardening, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, casinos, and dining out.
He is survived by his step son, Gary (Roseann) Visintin of Gillespie; daughter-in-law, Cathy Visintin of Gillespie; three grandsons, Matthew Visintin, Bradley (Meghan) Visintin, and Pete (Liz) Visintin of Gillespie; three great-grandchildren, Zephaniah Visintin, Leo Visintin, and Owen Visintin; and many nieces and nephews .
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; wife; step son, Pete Visintin; and siblings, Frank and Bill Ruyle, June Martin, and Maxine Osborne.
His body was donated to Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. No public services are scheduled. Memorials are suggested to Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service or to the donor’s choice.
Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
Comments
Lorraine LaVern Collenberger, 98 of Vandalia, formerly of Litchfield, passed away on Wednesday June 11, 2025. She was born on June 8, 1927, in Rockport, a daughter of Raymond and Elsie (Murphy) Agney.
Ms. Collenberger was a member of the Free Methodist Church in Coffeen. She enjoyed sewing and playing BINGO. Ms. Collenberger was an excellent cook and enjoyed making Heavenly Hash. She was employed with Roller Derby Skate Corporation in Litchfield for 55 years.
Ms. Collenberger is survived by a daughter, Trealia A. Collenberger of Vandalia, and sisters, Shirley Ivy of Taylor Springs, Mabel Segrest of Hillsboro, and Violet Agney of Taylor Springs.
Ms. Collenberger was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Elsie Agney, and her siblings, Raymond Agney, Tom Agney, Elmer Agney, Donald Agney, Mary Moore, Blanche Thorpe, Ruby Eveland, Dorsella Agney, Loretta Agney (inf.) and Voletta Agney (inf.).
Funeral services for Ms. Collenberger will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield and a visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Rev. Gary Schwab of First Presbyterian Church of Litchfield will officiate. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield.
Memorials may be directed to Hearts United, 110 N. Jackson St., Litchfield, IL, 62056. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
Comments
Beleagured board chairman responds to critics as County Board prepares to start budgeting process
Benld Italian-American Days to celebrate 71st Anniversary over Memorial Day weekend
Historic burial site of Mother Jones rediscovered and marked in Union Miner’s Cemetery
-
Community News2 days agoOrganizers announce protest in Carlinville on Saturday
-
Upcoming Events2 days agoImagine Hillsboro’s Markets return with fresh goods and community celebrations
-
Police News5 days agoGillespie Police Report June 1–June 7, 2025
-
Obituaries4 days agoObituary of Allen Ray Thomason