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Obituary of J. Kenneth Nelson

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With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of J. Kenneth Nelson, who left this world peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Sunday, May 18, at the age of 84.

Born October 11, 1940, “Kenny” lived a life full of kindness, wisdom, and dedication to those he loved. His passion for working on cars at a young age led to a successful career as a mechanic in the Alton area. He graduated from Alton High School in 1958. If your car was making a noise, call him, make the noise, and he would be able to tell you the problem. Then he would volunteer to help with the repairs. He loved racing and going to car shows and was able to enjoy these adventures with his friends and family until the last few weeks of his life.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Bernice Nelson of Fosterburg, where he and his siblings grew up, as well as two brothers who preceded him in death, Charles E. and M. Jerry Nelson. He is survived by a sister, Janet L. (Nelson) Wood of St. Charles, MO, and a brother, Norman A. Hunt of Bethalto.

Kenny will be deeply missed by his wife of 62 years, Donna L. (Frazier) Nelson, who resides in Bunker Hill, and their three children, Richard (Wisconsin). Steve (Jerseyville) and Tammy Reed (East Alton). He also leaves many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews that he dearly loved.  His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Kenny was always a giving man, and upon his death, he donated his body to St. Louis University to assist future doctors in the understanding of the human body.

A Celebration of Life will be planned at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to BCAN (Bladder Cancer Advocate Network) or to assist grandkids and great-grandkids in the purchase of a grave marker honoring Kenny, to be placed by his parents’ grave.  Please make the check payable to Rose Lawn Cemetery and Janet Wood. If there is an excess donated for the marker, the remainder will be donated to BCAN, and you will be advised.  Mail to: J. Wood, 251 Cedar Forest Ct. Weldon Spring, MO 63304.

 If you have questions, you may call Jan at her office, 636-284-7764.  

Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge.  

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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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