Obituaries
Obituary of Kimberly Schmedeke
Kimberly Schmedeke, aged 54 of Carlinville, passed away among beloved friends and family on the evening of Friday, May 9, 2025, at her Carlinville home. The daughter of Loren and Shirley (Maguire) Schmedeke, Kimberly was born on July 6, 1970, being raised in Carlinville from which she graduated high school with the class of 1988.
Kimberly had always loved cooking and baking as it was a highlight of her life both professionally and recreationally, her skill forming her to be an artist in the kitchen as she poured her heart and soul into every dish. She also prepared Christmas breakfast every year for the entirety of her family, as well as anyone needing company. Kimberly was also an avid gardener, as she filled the yard and every room she could with flowers, ferns, trees, and all manner of plants, her favorite flower being the Calla Lily.
Kimberly’s life revolved around her daughter and son, Cheyenne Schmedeke and Lathan Hill, giving every ounce of effort to make their lives as happy as possible, no matter how hard it might be, as she navigated being a single mother. Kimberly’s generosity knew no bounds, outreaching a hand to any and all who needed it, no matter how small. She lived by an open-door policy, going so far as to house others in their times of need on several points in her life.
Kimberly was known for her strength, both physical and mental, as she had worked several hard labor jobs in her life and was even a certified welder. Kimberly also allowed no problem to get to her, smiling through every hardship and injury as she faced it head-on.
Kimberly was preceded in death by her parents, Loren and Shirley (Maguire) Schmedeke.
Kimberly is survived by her daughter, Cheyenne (significant other, Bryan Huff) Schmedeke of Carlinville; her son, Lathan (significant other, Alex Smith) Hill of Carlinville; her brother, Darren (Lisa) Schmedeke of Carlinville; and her nephews, Rhy and Alex Schmedeke.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville. Memorials may be made to the family or the Carlinville Bark Park. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
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Ronald D. Semplowski, 66 of Gillespie, died in Carlinville on Thursday, November 6, 2025. He was born on May 9, 1959, in Litchfield to Walter J.Semplowski Sr. and Elizabeth JoAnn Luketich Semplowski.
He married Tammie L. Whitlow Semplowski on June 18, 1983, in Gillespie. He was a gate monitor for Alton Steel. Ronald was a veteran of the US Marine Corp. Ronald enjoyed going to auctions, hunting, fishing, and playing cards. Ronald was an animal lover and also enjoyed being with his grandkids and grandpups.
He is survived by his spouse, Tammie Semplowski of Gillespie; children, Tyler (fiancée, Maggie Moore) Semplowski of Gillespie, Austin Semplowski of Gillespie, and Ashleigh (Josh) Valerius of Millstadt; grandchildren, Jacob Valerius and Eleanor Valerius; brothers, Wally (Tammy) Semplowski of Gillespie and David (Patty) Semplowski of Gillespie; sister, Diane (Karl) Kozak of Gillespie; brothers in law, Tommy Whitlow and Terry Whitlow; sister in law, Theresa (Mike) Scott; 10 nephews, six nieces, 18 great nephews, 12 great nieces, three great-great-nephews, one great-great-niece, several aunts, uncles, cousins and beloved Dog, Hobo.
Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; son, Travis D. Semplowski; mother in law and father in law, Eleanor and Tom Whitlow; sister, Kimberly Janes; nephews, Nathan Heaton and Troy Whitlow; and niece, Tonya Whitlow.
Friends may call on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Funeral services are Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10:00 am at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Gillespie.
Memorials are suggested to Gillespie Fire Department. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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Donald Bernard Swann, 72 of Gillespie, died at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 12:20 a.m. He was born on May 1, 1953, in Springfield to Donald H. Swann and Florence L. Bernardi Swann.
He married Connie (Campbell) Swann on September 7, 1979, in Gillespie. He was retired after having worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation doing road maintenance. Donald was a lifelong member of the NRA. He was a member of the Black Dragon Triad, holding a second-degree black belt in Shorin-ryu Kobayashi Ryu karate, and was known as Sensei Swann. Donald enjoyed hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and skydiving.
He is survived by his spouse, Connie Swann of Gillespie; children, Kelly (Michael) Wulf of O’Fallon and Kyle (companion, Jessica Holmes) Swann of Gillespie; grandchildren, Lizzy Wulf, Anna Wulf, Samantha Wulf, Beau Wulf, Audrey Wulf (twin), Evelyn Wulf (twin), and Averie Swann; siblings, Denise (John) Hartnett of Springfield and Dale (Tina) Swann of Springfield; and his beloved dog, Buster.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends may call on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm. Funeral services are Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie. Cremation and private burial will be at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to Illinois Conservation Fund or Gillespie Public Library. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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John Lee Kellenberger, 69 of Litchfield, died at 7:52 a.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. He was born on August 5, 1956, in Litchfield, a son of Francis and Lucille Frances (Lord) Kellenberger.
John graduated with the Litchfield High School Class of 1974. He delivered newspapers for the Litchfield News-Herald for several years; he was employed by and retired from the State of Illinois. John was an avid railroad fan, who enjoyed bicycling on area bike paths on former railroad right of ways, and he was a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and loved comic books. He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.
John is survived by his brothers, Dennis (Kathi) Kellenberger of Edwardsville and Mark (Karen) Kellenberger of Paducah, KY; his sisters, Kathy (Tom) Seals of Wichita, KS, Michele Bass of Manford, OK, and Janet Martin of OR; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial mass will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of mass. He will be inurned at Holy Cross Cemetery in Litchfield. Plummer Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
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