Obituaries
Obituary of Duane Arthur Gerdes
Duane Arthur Gerdes, 68 of Litchfield, passed away on Tuesday April 29, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital. He was born in Litchfield on September 24, 1956, a son of Arthur August and Albertha Violet (Prichard) Gerdes.
Duane graduated from Litchfield High School with the class of 1974. He married the former Deborah Kay Bowermaster on January 28, 1978, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. She preceded him in death on October 16, 2013.
Duane was a member of the Local Laborer’s Union #1084, VFW Post #3912, Moose Lodge #1634, and Am Vets Post #16. He enjoyed playing in dart and pool leagues, operating his bobcat and heavy machinery, watching westerns and hunting. Duane raised beagles and other dogs for hunting, some of which were prized state champions. He was a bricklayer, welder, farmer, and owned several businesses.
Duane is survived by a son, Steven (Kristen) Gerdes of Litchfield; a daughter, Erin (Matthew) Roach of Litchfield; a sister, Shirley Gerdes of Litchfield; and six grandchildren, Melody, Kadence and Ellie Gerdes, and Savannah, Brydon, and Caleb Roach.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Albertha Gerdes; his wife, Deborah; mother-in-law, Judy Bowermaster; and brother-in-law, Lewis Wayne Bowermaster.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Plummer Funeral Home is serving the family.
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Kelly D. Frillman, 64 of Gillespie, died at his residence on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 6:04 a.m. He was born on May 25, 1960, in Alton to Edward Frillman and LaVerne Weger Frillman.
He married Delma Volentine Frillman on April 18, 1987, in Reno, IL. He was a pipefitter for Local 553 of Wood River. Kelly enjoyed classic cars especially his 1934 Ford Pickup. Kelly was a craftsman of many talents and enjoyed nature.
He is survived by his spouse, Delma Frillman of Gillespie, and children, Zack Frillman of Mt. Olive and Dylan (Shelby) Frillman of Wood River.
Kelly was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mark Frillman.
Visitation will be on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Bunker Hill from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at the funeral home at 7:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to St. Peter’s Lutheran School. Kravanya Funeral Home, Bunker Hill is in charge of the arrangements.
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Chlorus Donald Jarman III, 46 of Litchfield, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 9:48 p.m. at Memorial Hospital in Belleville. Mr. Jarman was born in Springfield on December 22, 1978, a son of Chlorus Donald and Donna Jean Jarman Jr.
He graduated from Litchfield High School, then attended college to become a paramedic. He married the former Faye Lee in 1999; they later divorced. In his free time, he enjoyed playing darts and fishing. He was a member of the Zims Rack Pool League and he had acquired many medals and trophies.
Chlorus is survived by a son, Logan Jarman, and two daughters, Corianne Jarman and Caitlyn Jarman, all of Worden.
A memorial service is planned for a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family. Plummer Funeral Home is serving the family.
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Letha Marie Fritz, 66 of O’Fallon, formerly of Staunton, passed away at 8:55 PM on Monday, May 5, 2025, at her residence in O’Fallon. She was born on March 13, 1959, in Staunton, the daughter of the late Harley O. and Maxine (Huett) Williams.
Letha was employed as a production worker at Olin Corporation in East Alton. She was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union, and was a past member of Cross Community Church in Staunton. She loved to fish, was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and the #1 fan of her grandchildren!
She is survived by two children, Harley (Nikki) Williams of O’Fallon and Florence (Kenneth) Muhoro of Troy; five grandchildren, Kenia, Zuri, River, Ava, and Davion; three sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters; one brother; two grandchildren; and one niece.
Visitation will be held from 11 AM to 12 noon on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton. A memorial service will follow at 12 noon on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton.
Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.
