Obituaries
Obituary of Deborah K. Zilm
Deborah K. Zilm, 71, of Carlinville passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family on Monday evening, December 1, 2025. Debbie was born on April 27, 1954, the daughter of Roy and Doris (Miller) Schmidt of Carlinville. She had two siblings, older brother Gary, and younger sister Kelli.
Debbie attended Carlinville schools, graduating from Carlinville High School in 1972. Following graduation, Debbie entered the workforce, first as a secretary, then several years as a legal secretary for the law firm of Denby and Dobbs. In the 1990’s, Debbie and her sister along with their families got involved in retail business, starting with Main Street Florist, and later adding Main Street Bridal. During this time, Debbie became active with the Carlinville Chamber of Commerce, The Carlinville Christmas Market, and Christmas on the Square in Carlinville, serving as chairperson for those groups at different times. Her two favorite times on the Carlinville Square were Halloween and the Christmas season.
Debbie was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church in Carlinville as is her husband, Andy Zilm. Zion was the place of their wedding on June 2, 1973. They were blessed with three children, Carrie, Mandy, and Brian. Their four grandchildren were also a special part with of Debbie’s life.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Gary.
She is survived by her husband, Andy of Carlinville; daughter Carrie (Scott) Harris of Saline, MI; daughter, Mandy (Eric) Konneker of Carlinville; son, Brian of Carlinville; and four grandchildren, Lauren Harris of St. Louis, MO, Colin Harris of Saline, MI, Carter Zilm and Drew Konneker of Carlinville. Also surviving are her sister, Kelli (Randy) Chasteen of Carlinville; brother-in-law; nephews; and cousins; Karl (Sharon) Zilm of Godfrey; her aunt, Betty Maguire of Carlinville; and several nieces, nephew, and cousins.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 9 to 11 am at Zion Lutheran Church, Carlinville. Funeral service will follow at 11 am at Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Kelly Mitteis officiating Burial will be in Moore Cemetery in Carlinville.
Memorials can be given to Zion Lutheran Church in Carlinville, or the Denby Bark Park Fund.
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Charles M. Crays, 64 of Carlinville, passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 7:50 p.m. He was born October 24, 1961, in Carlinville to Charles J. Crays and Dorothy Louise Johnston Crays. He married Darla K. Hankins Crays in Carlinville.
Charles was a longtime iron worker and retired from the trade. He was a devoted member of the Carlinville Moose Lodge and the Carlinville Masonic Lodge, and he took pride in helping others in his community.
Charles is survived by his wife, Darla Crays, of Carlinville; his stepchildren Crystal (Clint) Downs of Louisiana, Toby (Denni) Paxton of Louisiana, and Joey Paxton of Louisiana; his grandson Sawyer Downs; his brother Robert L. Crays (Lettie) of Carlinville; his sisters Linda L. Crays and Julie Ann Crays, both of Waggoner; and his nephew Matthew Crays.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Carlinville Moose Lodge, or the Carlinville Masonic Lodge. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of arrangements.
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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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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.
