Obituaries
Obituary of JoAnn L. Semrock
JoAnn L. Semrock, 87 of Carlinville, passed away peacefully on the evening of Monday, June 9, 2025, at her daughter’s residence in Carlinville. JoAnn was born on July 1, 1937, in Columbia, SC, the daughter of David and Corrie (Hooper) Hill. She married Norman C. Semrock on April 2, 1960, in Springfield.
JoAnn, known affectionately as Jojo, was the heart of her family. Her home was a gathering place filled with joyful memories, especially Sunday dinners where she served her famous homemade spaghetti sauce. Jojo adored her eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, along with many honorary “grandkids” she lovingly adopted over the years. Jojo never missed a sporting event, dance recital, pageant, or school play, always cheering proudly from the sidelines. She loved with her whole heart, and you never had to wonder how much you meant to her.
Her passion for caring for others extended into her professional life. She began her career as a nurse, later becoming the co-founder of Zion Lutheran Preschool in Carlinville, where she served as a beloved administrator for more than 20 years.
Jojo found joy in life’s simple pleasures – reading mystery novels, tending to her flower garden, and playing weekly bridge games with dear friends. Her love, generosity, sass and strength will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Margaret and Louise; her brother, David; and her son-in-law, Kenny Hicks.
JoAnn is survived by her husband of 65 years, Norman C. Semrock of Carlinville; two daughters, Laura Hicks of Carlinville and Amy (Adrian) Walton of Carlinville; grandchildren Kaitie (Quin), Braden (Grace), Camryn (John), Chloe (Tyler), Emily, Carly (Brendan), Cory, and Will; and great-grandchildren, Turner, Evelyn, Vivienne, Hudson, Eleanor, and Reese.
To honor JoAnn’s wishes, there will be no formal services. Her family will celebrate her life privately. Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Children Hospital. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
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Robert Leeroy Blevins, 77 of Litchfield, passed away the evening of Thursday, November 20, 2025, at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. He was born in Litchfield on December 24, 1947, a son of Robert James and Betty Bernadine (Cranford) Blevins.
He graduated from Centralia High School and proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. He was employed for many years as a cabinet maker with Adenca Manufacturing in Litchfield. Robert enjoyed many outdoor activities including camping, fishing, hunting, mushroom hunting, and looking for buried treasures with his metal detector.
He was a talented musician and played guitar and saxophone. Robert enjoyed watching and listening to all spectator sports and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He married the former Wanda Kay Large and they later divorced.
Robert is survived by sons, Christopher (fiancée Grace) Blevins and Jason (Jamie) Blevins, all of Litchfield; daughters, Jennifer (Gordon) Fenton of Salem, MO and Shannon Large of Litchfield; brothers, Chesley Blevins of Staunton, Joseph Blevins of Litchfield, Floyd Blevins of Highland, and Fred Blevins of Litchfield; sisters, Barbara (Ray) Schuster of Sorento, Sharon (John) Wickerheim of Chicago, and Pamela Poppenhouse of Litchfield; and several grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert J. and Betty B. Blevins.
Funeral services for Mr. Blevins will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Pastor Gilbert Dealey will officiate. Burial will be in Crabtree Cemetery. Military honors will be at graveside. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to the family of Robert Blevins, c/o Christopher Blevins. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
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Joyce Carleen Simmons, 83 of Litchfield, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 23, 2025. She was born in Pana on May 31, 1942, a daughter of Carl Cornelius and Lucille Romelta (Miller) Brakenhoff.
She was a member of the Litchfield High School graduating class of 1960. She married Raymond “Larry” Simmons on June 6, 1965, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, and they enjoyed nearly 55 years of marriage until his passing on January 23, 2022.
Joyce was an excellent cook and well known for her beef and noodles, Texas cake, and stew. Joyce’s delicious cooking skills were evident during her 22-year career as manager of Jubelt’s Variety Bakery in Litchfield and as a ten-year cafeteria worker for the Litchfield Community School District #12. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, tending to her fruit trees, and sewing. Joyce enjoyed serving others by teaching Sunday School at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield and volunteering for the local Meals on Wheels.
Joyce is survived by her sons, Raymond (Vicki) Simmons of Evansville, IN and David (Jacqueline) Simmons of Haymarket, VA; daughter, Laura Simmons of Edwardsville; brothers, Leslie (Sue) Brakenhoff of Litchfield, Byron (Terry) Brakenhoff of Chattanooga, TN, and Dale (Nancy) Brakenhoff of Litchfield; sisters, Ramona Warman of Charleston, IL and Marilyn (Don) Loptien of Fort Collins, CO; grandchildren, Zachary Simmons, Makenzie (Jeremy) Frazier, Emma Simmons, and William Simmons; and great-grandchildren, Gunnar, Wyatt, Eli and Calla.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Rev. Larry Brakenhoff and Bernard Brakenhoff; brother-in-law Robert, “Bob” Warman; and niece, Kimberly (Brakenhoff) Bergman.
Funeral services for Joyce will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Burial will follow in Edgewood Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Road, St. Louis, MO, 63141-8557. Plummer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
