Obituaries
Obituary of Stephen B. “Butch” Huhsman
Stephen B. “Butch” Huhsman, 75 of Staunton, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at his residence in Staunton. He was born on February 11, 1950, in Litchfield, the son of the late Michael and Berna (Stemploski) Huhsman. He married Kathy Fenton on December 9, 1972, and she survives.
Butch was a man of many passions, each one reflecting his big heart and vibrant spirit. He adored his family above all else and took great joy in every gathering, celebration, and moments spent together. His friendships were lifelong and deeply valued – he never met a stranger and those who knew him felt his genuine kindness.
One of his favorite places to be was in his garage, where he spent countless hours working on and detailing cars. The garage wasn’t just a workspace – it was a gathering place. If the garage door was open, anyone was welcome to stop by to “shoot the bull”, share a cold beer, and flip through the famous picture album that held decades of memories and stories. He knew how to “GET THE CAR STARTED”, and if you didn’t he’d let you hear about it.
A true enthusiast, Butch had a lifelong love for cars and the thrill of racing. He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, the St. Louis Blues, the Fighting Illini, NASCAR, and Formula One cheering loudly, celebrating victories, and staying loyal through every season.
Butch was also deeply committed to his community and church. He believed in helping others, lending a hand wherever needed, and giving back to the people and places that shaped his life. He was known to dabble in auctioneering and would volunteer to auction at fund raisers and the St. Michael Octoberfest. He really knew how to bump up the bids when the extra dollars were needed. His infamous line was “Alrighty, what ya wanna give!”, and “It’s only money, honey!” His generosity, sense of humor, and willingness to serve left a lasting imprint on his community.
He will be remembered for his big smile, his bigger heart, and the way he made every person feel seen and valued. His legacy lives on in the love he shared, the stories he leaves behind, and the countless lives he touched.
Butch was employed as an Insurance Aduster for National Flood Insurance. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church of Staunton and served in the U.S. Air National Guard.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Huhsman of Staunton; two sons, Jason (Cynthia) Huhsman of Bethalto and Aaron Huhsman of Staunton; two grandchildren, Jacob and Jaiden Huhsman of Bethalto; his inherited brothers and sister, Mike, Roger, Johnny, and Cheri Fenton, whose love and respect for Butch will live on forever.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, James (and his wife, Marilyn) Huhsman; one sister, Marian (and her husband, Hartford) Henry; two nieces, Tricia and Andrea Huhsman; and one nephew, Bradley Fenton.
Visitation will be from 9 AM to 12 noon on Monday, November 24, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Staunton. A memorial mass will be held at 12 noon on Monday, November 24, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Staunton with Father Thomas Hagstrom officiating. The Staunton Military Honor Guard will conduct military rites outside the church following the service. Interment will follow at a later date at Chapman Cemetery near Mt. Olive..
Memorials are suggested to either the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois or to the Staunton Food Pantry. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
“Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles…..I’ve only gone to rest for a while.”
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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.
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