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Obituary of Bonnie Jo Hartke

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Bonnie Jo Hartke, 81, of Litchfield, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, surrounded by family. She was born on April 14, 1944, in Carlinville a daughter of Glenn Lester and Betty Jean (Fenton) Dickey.

Bonnie graduated from Litchfield High School with the class of 1962. She first married Ray D. Niemann with whom she had three children, and they later divorced. Bonnie and Richard William Hartke were married March 7, 1975, where she was blessed to add three bonus daughters, and in time, she and Richard added a son.

Bonnie had a deep love for her family and taking family trips. Living and working on the farm brought her great joy, along with keeping an immaculate yard and baking her delicious chocolate chip cookies. She had a servant’s heart as an active member of Zion Lutheran Church (ELCA), Mt. Olive, and as a dependable volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Additionally, Bonnie served on the Board of Directors at Bank and Trust Co.

Bonnie is survived by her sons, Kevin Niemann (Tracy) and Brian Niemann (Penny), all of Litchfield, and Travis Hartke (Linsey) of Boise, Idaho; daughters, Dawn Wheat (Jeff) of Litchfield, Debra Claytor (Kenneth) of Fulshear, TX and Karla Smith (Bill) of Wartrace, TN; sisters, Nancy Steward of Raymond and Patsy Awwad (Ralph) of Prudenville, MI; and grandchildren and great grandchildren, Courtney Fritchley (Genevieve) and children Daphne and Benjamin; Caleb Niemann (Caitlin); Elizabeth Carlock (Ethan); Hannah Savage (Cody) and their soon to be born son, Hank; Hunter Niemann (Hannah); Amber Wheat, Paige Wheat, Hazel Hartke, Lincoln Hartke, Lennox Hartke, Michael Starbody (Kaitlyn) and their children, Harper and Beckham; Austin Claytor, Kelli Claytor, Ann Bale (Trent) and children Greyson, Lilly, Colt, and Charlotte; Daniel Coatney (Olivia) and their son, Jase; and Samantha Williamson (Terrance) and their daughter, Madelyn.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Betty Dickey, her husband, Richard W. Hartke, and daughter, Pamela (Hartke) Coatney.

Funeral services will be held Friday, December 12, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 500 S. Rt. 66, Mt. Olive, IL, 62069. Rev. Zach Krampion will officiate. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation will be held from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield.

In lieu of flowers and other customary remembrances, the family suggests memorials be directed to Meals on Wheels Program, Ronald Mc Donald House-Springfield, or Zion Lutheran Church-Mt. Olive. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is assisting the family.

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Obituaries

Obituary of Grace “Sally” Agnes Schuerman

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Grace “Sally” Agnes Schuerman, 74 of Nokomis, passed away at Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, MO on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 11:49 pm. She was born on December 28, 1951, in Hillsboro to the late John Whitlow and Agnes Haggarty Whitlow.  

She married James Schuerman on June 7, 1975 in Decatur. She worked as a dietician, home health aide and cook. James and Sally were foster parents to many children over the years. She loved horses and her grandkids.  

She is survived by her children, April Balestri (James) of Eagarville, Cris “Bill” Schuerman of Nokomis, and Crystal (Greg) Linton of Aldrich, MO; daughter in law, Kasey Schuerman; grandchildren, Paul Balestri, Gracelynn Balestri, Hunter Schuerman, and Andy Linton; brother, Guy (Norma) Whitlow of Nokomis; and several nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; spouse; son, Charles Schuerman; sister, Rosemary (Rosie) Hopwood; brother, Sam Whitlow; and niece, Kathy Whitlow.  

No services are scheduled at this time. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.

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Obituary of Paul F. Madden

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Paul F. Madden, 61 of Gillespie, died at his residence on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:08 pm.  He was born on September 27, 1964, in Litchfield to John Patrick Madden and Barbara Ann (Resnik) Madden Sawyer.  

He married Elizabeth Ann (Morland) Madden on June 5, 2015 in Forsyth, IL. He was a sales manager in the equipment manufacturing industry.  Paul was a huge golfer who also enjoyed music, playing the guitar, riding his bike, walking his dog, running and traveling.

He is survived by his spouse, Elizabeth Ann (Morland) Madden of Gillespie; daughter, Colleen (Ryan) Cash of Carlinville; step daughter, Zoey Mayo of Gillespie; brothers, John P (Betsy) Madden of St. Paul, MN, Timothy J. (Anne) Madden of Lemont, IL, and David W. (Sarah) Madden of Urbana, IL; and step father, George Sawyer of Gillespie.  

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mark D. Madden.  

Friends may call on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 10:00 am until 11:30 am. Funeral mass will be on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at SS Simon & Jude Church in Gillespie at 12:00 pm. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Gillespie, IL.  

Memorials are suggested to Partnership For Educational Excellence District #7, BJC Hospice or Siteman Cancer Center. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.

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Obituary of Suzanne Marie Labath

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Suzanne Marie Labath, 63 of Scottsville, KY and formerly of St. Louis, MO and Gillespie passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, at the Medical Center at Scottsville.  The Davenport, Iowa native was a homemaker, loved being a grandma, and enjoyed camping and fishing. She was a daughter of the late John H. Labath and Suzanne M. Petersen Labath.

She is survived by her husband, Ron Fritz, Scottsville, KY; son, Jason Beard, Bowling Green, KY; two daughters, Erica Beard and Jessica Allen, both of St. Louis, MO; four brothers, John Labath (Cathy), Long Grove, IA, Bill Labath, Yale, IA, Tony Labath (Judy), Greensboro, NC, and Bert Labath (Gail), Lumberton, TX; sister, Josie Labath, Davenport, IA; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Labath and Barbara Labath; four grandchildren, Anyae, Anthony and Jaleyah Allen and Jeremiah Thomas; two great grandchildren, Amaya Marshall and A’riah Beard; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Marty Labath and Pete Labath.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Cremation was chosen and Goad Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations for funeral expenses.  Donations may be made at Goad Funeral Home.

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