Obituaries
In Loving Memory of Ryan Koschak
Ryan Joseph Koschak, age 41, from Butler, IL, bid us an unexpected farewell on September 3, 2023, in Fenton, MO. Ryan’s journey through life was a high-voltage adventure. Born on September 4, 1981, to Paul (Rick) Koschak and Deborah Koschak (Keck) in Litchfield, IL, he grew up in Gillespie alongside his older sister Stacey Koschak (Keith).
After graduating from GHS in 1999, he pursued a vocational degree at Midwest School of Welding in Lincoln, IL. Ryan’s spirit was as fiery as his welding torch, earning him a reputation for his craftsmanship as a Boilermaker (Local 363 -Belleville), as well as his crafty sense of humor. He possessed the rare gift of turning even the dullest moments into uproarious laughter.
Ryan was a true friend to many and a brother-in-spirit to countless others. His warmth and laughter left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. He had a knack for touching lives wherever he went, leaving behind a trail of memories that will forever be part of his remarkable legacy.
In his earlier days, Ryan seemed to have had nine lives, embarking on daring adventures that often left us shaking our heads in disbelief. But then, Abbie entered his life, and together, they embarked on a new adventure – parenthood. Abbie helped him trade his risk-taking for diaper-changing as he wholeheartedly embraced the wonderful adventure of fatherhood.
Ryan’s love knew no bounds, particularly when it came to his daughter, Vivien, whom he adored beyond measure. Abbie, his beloved wife and the love of his life, was his partner in every sense of the word. Ryan had a unique affection for nature, caring for chickens, beekeeping, hummingbirds, and his feline companion, Pumpkin.
His garage served as his sanctuary, where he meticulously crafted intricate machines and occasionally muttered a few choice words under his breath when his tools disagreed with him. Above all, Ryan had a heart of gold, and his kindness became legendary. He touched lives with his generosity and humor, making him not just a man but a legend.
As we bid farewell to Ryan Koschak, let us remember him not with tears but with smiles, for his spirit will forever illuminate our memories.
Ryan is survived by his wife, Abbie (Bunge) Koschak; his daughter, Vivien; his parents, Rick and Debbie (Keck) Koschak; his sister, Stacey Keith (Chris); nephews, Jared Gansz, Luke Goldasich, Brody Keith, and Sean and Sam Zaloudek; and nieces, Emma Gansz, Brentleigh Keith, and Caroline Goldasich.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenneth & Anna (Williams) Keck and Paul & Agnes (Tallman) Koschak.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 5 to 8 p.m. Services will be held at 8 p.m. In honor of Ryan’s memory, we kindly request that, instead of flowers, donations be made directly to Abbie Koschak. These contributions will assist in covering his family’s expenses and ensuring Vivien’s education.
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Susie M. Jackson, 89 of Carlinville, passed away at 4:52 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Lakeside Health and Rehab Center in Carlinville. She was born in Golden Pond, KY on November 14, 1934, a daughter of Eulas Beltron and Winnie Maud (Finch) Fennell.
She married James “Jim” Sylvester Jackson on September 9, 1953, in Edwardsville. He passed away on August 12, 2013. Mrs. Jackson was a dedicated homemaker and took pride in caring for her family and her cats. She and Jim really enjoyed their trips to Colorado to visit their family. She also enjoyed flower gardening, cooking, baking, collecting Raggedy Ann dolls, thrift store shopping, and decorating her house. Her family said her from-scratch cinnamon rolls were the best.
Mrs. Jackson is survived by a son, James Jackson of Carlinville; five daughters, Rebecca Hudson, Linda Neighbors and Cynthia Jackson, all of Carlinville, Sara (Gene) Martinez of Evans, CO, and Amy (Jason Porter) Jackson of Gillette, WY; brother, Billie L. Fennell of Godfrey; five grandchildren, Randy Neighbors, Jr., Leslie Neighbors, Andrew Jackson, Benjamin Bell, and Holden Jackson; and three great-grandchildren, Kiera Neighbors, Andrew Neighbors, and Mila Jackson.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Mrs. Jackson was preceded in death by her siblings Eulas “Jack” B. Fennell, Jr., Alva Fennell, Margaret Jean Fields, Helen Fennell, and twins Earl and Pearl in infancy.
Funeral services for Mrs. Jackson will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Rev. Cliff Woodman of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Carlinville will officiate. Burial will be in Bethel Ridge Cemetery near Atwater. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.
Memorials may be made to Macoupin County Animal Control and Adoption Center in Carlinville. Plummer Funeral Home is serving the family.
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Charlene Betty Lee Sauerwein, 87 of Bunker Hill, died in Bunker Hill on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 3:00 a.m. She was born on February 7, 1937, in Edwardsville to William A. Bauer and Camilla Provaznik Bauer.
She married Victor John Sauerwein on January 23, 1960, in Edwardsville. He preceded her in death on May 13, 2023. She was a homemaker who loved, gardening, cooking which she was a good cook, her flock of sheep, her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her son, Jon (Theresa) Sauerwein of Bunker Hill; daughters, Joy (Thomas Wayne) Roswell of Bunker Hill and Jeanne Sparks of Bunker Hill; grandchildren, Tom (Allison) Roswell, Amy (fiancé, Tom Silveus) Roswell, Janna Sauerwein, Benjamin Gettleman, Christina (significant other, Clay Coffman) Sparks, Crystal (significant other, Ian Hilgert) Sparks, Jesse (significant other, Samantha Crisel) Sauerwein, Brandon (significant other, Jessica) Sparks, and Jacob Sparks; great-grandchildren, Carsyn, Savannah, Vivienne, Rylee, Jetsyn, and Lane; sister in law, Wilma (Richard) Stinnett of Alton; and step-sisters, Mary Lou McCurry and Sarah (Merle) Yates.
Charlene was preceded in death by her parents; spouse; brothers, Roland Bauer, Calvin Bauer, Carlton Bauer, and Reeves Bauer; and sisters, Lorene Opel and Mavis Utechett.
Friends may call on Monday, October 14, 2024, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Bunker Hill from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Bunker Hill from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Funeral services are Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Bunker Hill. Burial will be at Bunker Hill Cemetery, Bunker Hill.
Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church of Bunker Hill. Kravanya Funeral Home, Bunker Hill is in charge of the arrangements.
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Johnnie M. Monroe, 88, died on October 8, 2024, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He was born on September 4, 1936, in Shawneetown, IL to Loren & Edna (Cummins) Monroe, who both preceded him in death.
He married Carolyn (Adler) Monroe on December 19, 1964, and she preceded him in death on August 3, 2012. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Robert Monroe and Loren Dale Monroe, and by his brother-in-law Harold Adler.
He is survived by his fiance’, Mary Adler; his daughter, Beverly Jo (Moe) St. Arnault; his grandson, Brian (Rhonda) Rigsby; his great-granddaughter, Brianna Rigsby; nieces and nephews, Karra Adler, Loren (Adrienne) Monroe, Robin (Dale) Turner, Dean (Kirsten) Monroe, Rebecca (Joe) Gould, and Angela (Nick) Coursen; and his brother-in-law, Bill (Kris) Adler. He is also survived by 14 great-nieces and great-nephews, several step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, as well as Johnny (Mary) Witt, who Johnnie and Carolyn raised as their own for many years.
Johnnie was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Elgin, IL, for many years where he served as a deacon and completed several missionary trips to Mexico. He was also an active member of the New Douglas Madison #560 and Staunton #177 Masons, The Ainad Shriners of Southern Illinois, The Legion of Honor, and the Hillbilly Clan #39 Lodge.
He spent a lot of his spare time doing woodworking, photography, leatherworking, and many other craft works. One of Johnnie’s most amazing traits was his love for children, which is why he had such a passion to be part of the Shriners organization. He was also a Boy Scout leader and baseball coach for many years and never met a kid he didn’t try to help; this is why so many looked up to him as a father figure.
Johnnie served in the U.S. Navy from 1954 to 1956 and was a disabled veteran who survived a neck injury when he was young that paralyzed him from the neck down, yet he fought through that and lived a full and inspiring life. Johnnie was a person who lived life to the fullest and didn’t let anything stop him from doing what he enjoyed. He went full throttle at all times and never let any grass grow under his feet.
Friends may call from 5 to 8 PM on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton with Masonic Services to be held at 7:30 PM on Friday evening. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton with Anthony Hudson officiating.
Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton. Memorials are suggested to Shriners Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO. The Staunton Military Honor Guard will conduct graveside military rites.
