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Obituary of Melvin D. Bruhn

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Melvin D. Bruhn passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, at Community Hospital of Staunton. Melvin was the son of Daniel C. Bruhn and Marie (Hoffstetter) Bruhn and was born at home on December 18, 1932, and had attained the age of 92. 

He married Gladys Brakhane on October 9, 1954, and had 71 years of working together on their dairy and grain farm. Melvin was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, where he was baptized, confirmed, married, and served on several committees.  He attended Zion Lutheran School for 8 years and graduated in 1946.  He then attended Staunton High School and graduated in 1950.

Surviving Melvin besides his wife are his seven children, Melinda Bruhn, Janet (Dennis) Crouch, Danny Bruhn, Starla (Gene) Reed, Bonnie (John) Trettenero, Brenda (Robert) McEnery, and Diana (Bart) Yakos; thirteen grandchildren, Laura (Jason) Johnson, Joshua (Jamie) Crouch, MaryBeth (Cameron) Michki, Jewell (Joop) de Groot, Darcy Bruhn, Rachel (John) McMahon, Danielle (Josh) Hawk, Philip (Sarah) Trettenero, Katie (Chad Potthast – significant other) Yakos, Dominic (Brianna) Trettenero, Hannah (Kyle) Pirok, Lucas (fiance’ Elizabeth) Trettenero, and Jonathan McEnery. He was also blessed with eleven great grandchildren.

Besides his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, Melvin is survived by in-laws, Dolores Leitner, Frances Westerhold, Homer (Eunice) Brakhane, Ruth Ann Brakhane,  Ralph Beilsmith, JoAnn Brakhane, Cheryl Moore, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Dan & Marie Bruhn; sister, Leona (Stanley) Cisler; twin brothers, Norman and Nelson in infancy; and in-laws, Mildred (John) Leetham,  Charles Leitner, Art Westerhold, Bob Brakhane, Ruthie Beilsmith, and George Moore.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton and again from 9 AM to 10:30 AM on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton with Pastor Phil Girardin officiating. Burial will be at Staunton City Cemetery in Staunton.

Memorials are suggested to either Zion Lutheran School, Zion Lutheran Church, Zion Alumni & Friends, or the Staunton FFA Alumni. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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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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