John Graskewicz-West Frankfort, IL

John R. “Grassy” Graskewicz, age 75, passed away at 2:12 p.m. Monday, February 17, 2025, at Fifth Seasons Assisted Living of Benton.

Born in the city of Chicago to Adam and Aleen (Fleming) Graskewicz, John Robert Graskewicz grew up with a strong sense of duty and an enduring love for his community. A proud graduate of Frankfort Community High School in 1967, John embarked on a journey that would define his legacy—one marked by service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to those around him.

John was a veteran and honorably served in the United States Army before pursuing a career in law enforcement. In 1974, he graduated from the Police Academy, launching a distinguished 30-year career in law enforcement. Serving alongside his big brother, Don, with the West Frankfort Police Department before transitioning to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, he dedicated his life to protecting and serving his fellow citizens. His work left an indelible mark on Southern Illinois, earning him the respect and gratitude of colleagues and community members alike. His son, Jonathan, followed in his footsteps with a career in law enforcement. John was privileged to work side by side Jonathan on many cases, both in law enforcement and later when John served as Chief Deputy Coroner. John’s outstanding service was recognized with awards from both the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. After his retirement from law enforcement in 2012, John continued his public service as Chief Deputy Coroner under Coroner Marty Leffler, where he spent an additional ten years ensuring dignity and justice for those in his care.

Before his years in law enforcement, John also worked for a decade at Old Ben Coal Mine 25, a testament to his strong work ethic and dedication to the industries that shaped Southern Illinois. John also served as a member of the board of directors for the West Frankfort Park District, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing recreational spaces and opportunities for his community.

John’s passions extended far beyond his career in public service. A devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan and lifelong sports enthusiast, he was a pioneer in the local sports memorabilia industry. John owned and operated Graskewicz Sports in West Frankfort—one of the first baseball card and sports memorabilia stores in Southern Illinois. His love for the game brought joy to countless fans, as he and his family and friends welcomed and hosted St. Louis Cardinals legends such as Ozzie Smith, Bob Gibson, Mike Shannon, and other Hall of Famers to meet their devoted followers. John’s commitment to the sports world was never just about collecting, it was about fostering connections, celebrating the history of the game, and sharing his enthusiasm with those around him. He also passed down his love for sports memorabilia and his passion for the St. Louis Cardinals to his son, Jonathan, creating cherished memories and a shared appreciation for the game that will live on.

Beyond his professional and entrepreneurial endeavors, John was a man of deep faith. A devout Christian, he exemplified compassion and generosity, always willing to lend a helping and humorous hand. His legacy is one of selflessness and unwavering dedication to his community.

He is survived by his wife Rita (Fitch) Graskewicz of Thompsonville, IL, his son, Jonathan (Jill) Graskewicz of West Frankfort, IL; grandchildren including: Lexi, Logan and husband Josh, Abigayle and husband Chris, Kameran, Breanna and Jackson; two great-grandchildren Lydia and Ellie; his brother, Don (Georgianne) Graskewicz of West Frankfort, IL; two sisters, Sue Jones of Tolono, IL, and Jesse Kobel of West Frankfort, IL, Rita’s daughters Wendy Becker and husband Vince of Troy, IL, Cyndi Louden and husband Travis of Middleburg, FL; along with several nieces and nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Adam and Aleen (Fleming) Graskewicz, his infant brother, Jimmy Graskewicz, nephew Jerry Jones, and brothers-in-law Larry Jones and Fred Kobel, father and mother-in-law Rev. Kenneth and Dorothy Fitch, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Cord and Stacey Fitch.

John Robert Graskewicz lived a life of purpose, passion, and profound impact. Whether through his decades of public service, his contributions to the local sports community, or his unwavering kindness and faith, he left an enduring imprint on the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Rev. Ronnie Shelton officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A Law Enforcement walk-through will be held at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, we invite you to honor John’s enduring commitment to law enforcement by contributing to the John Graskewicz Law Enforcement Memorial Scholarship. Through this scholarship, we seek to uphold his passion for service, ensuring that future generations of students who aspire to protect and serve Franklin County carry forward his dedication, integrity, and unwavering commitment to justice.

To leave online condolences to the family or to share memories of Grassy, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John R. Graskewicz, please visit our floral store.

Raymond Luther Allen – Chicago, IL

Raymond Luther Allen age 72 of Chicago, went to his heavenly home on February 13, 2025.

Raymond was born December 27,1952 at Miners Union hospital in West Frankfort, il. The son of Raymond Luther Allen Sr. and Lorene (Summers) Vaughn.

Raymond went blind at age 5 but he never let his disability stop him. He attended Illinois School for the Visually Impaired in Jacksonville, IL, and there he learned braille and how to do basic life skills. He loved to listen to ball games on the radio. He also liked to take radios apart. He was a fun-loving person who never met a stranger. He lived at Clark Manor Nursing Home for over 40 years. He met his wife Gertrude at Clark Manor, and they were united in marriage. He loved the staff at Clark Manor, and they loved him.

Raymond is survived by his sisters Patricia (Allen) Mielke of Sesser IL, Viola (Holland) Reed and husband Charles, of West Frankfort IL and Bambie (Vaughn) Eader and husband Greg of Benton IL. He is also survived by Tom Scully of Chicago, and several nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and wife.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Clark Manor of Chicago for the love and care they have given our brother. He considered the staff his family. His Doctor and Unity Hospice provided excellent care with compassion and kept us informed of any changes.

Thank you also to Tom Scully for being a great friend to Raymond for many years. We are so grateful to everyone for their love and support.
Raymond was cremated and will be laid to rest at Masonic & Odds Fellow Cemetery, in Benton.

Shane Lee Harris, Sesser, IL

Shane Lee Harris-Sesser, IL
April 29, 2003 – February 14, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Shane Lee Harris, who left us on February 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with epilepsy. Shane’s strength and resilience will forever be remembered by those who loved him.

Shane is survived by his devoted companion, Roxy; his parents, Trent and Alison Cross, and Shawn and Anna Harris; and his siblings, Kinsey Vanwey and her husband Jacob, Robert Hunter Cross, Riley Cross, and Mazie Eubanks; his beloved niece Paislee Vanwey and his grandparents Howard Lee and Nancy Kinsey, Robert and Candance Cross and Larry and Mona Sample. He also leaves behind countless cousins, aunts, and uncles who cherished him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Shane Harris; and his grandparents, Tom and Iva Lea Hamilton, Evelyn and Howard Kinsey and Bob and Cindy Harris.

Shane’s family finds solace in knowing that he is now free from the pain that plagued him in life. His passing leaves an irreplaceable void, but the memory of his one-of-a-kind humor, his love for others, and his generosity will live on forever. Anyone who knew Shane could recall the countless funny moments they shared with him, and it was these moments, filled with laughter, that Shane treasured most. Above all, he wanted those around him to smile, and he found joy in making others laugh, even in the toughest of times.

Shane’s illness was the greatest challenge of his life, but his greatest sorrow was the pain it caused his loved ones. Now, as we remember him, we take comfort in the thought that he is at peace, free from his struggles. The family invites everyone who loved him to keep him in their hearts and share in the joyful memories he left behind.

Shane had a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures—fishing and hunting with his two dads, playing pool with his Papa, and shed hunting with his Uncle Bobby. He loved the comfort of his friend, John, always teaching him about new hobbies and the love of our Lord. He also cherished the laughter-filled moments with his mom and sister and loved reminiscing about his mischievous boyhood fun he found himself in with his brothers. He found great comfort in his Nana’s cooking and the Cross family’s delicious breakfast casserole and their ability to just listen. These small acts of love meant everything to Shane, and he often worried about those who might not have such support. He would want us all to remember: be that person for someone else, laugh, love, and cherish the small moments.

Shane believed that in the end, it is the good times and the connections we make with others that truly matter. Life is hard, but Shane would encourage us to focus on the joyful moments and to not be afraid of making tough connections as those supersede all materialistic value.

In keeping with Shane’s wishes, his family will hold a private ceremony in honor of his gracious earthly battle.

Shane will be deeply loved and missed until we meet again.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Leslie Roland Miller-Carbondale, IL

Leslie Roland Miller, age 98, completed his earthly life on February 15, 2025, in the same manner in which he lived it; quietly and at peace. Leslie was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, friend and was, most importantly, a Christian. He was preceded in death by his mother, Geneva Wilfong.

Nothing was left unsaid with Leslie and at the end of his life, he knew full well what he meant to his family and those fortunate enough to have known him. More importantly, he knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior and was confident in his entrance to heaven and the eternal life bought for him through Christ’s crucifixion.

Leslie was born in 1926 on his family’s small farm just outside of Frederickstown, Missouri. From an early age, he realized that his future hinged upon a quality education and the dream of a college degree. Motivated by a desire to serve his country and the promise of a college education through the GI Bill, Leslie joined the Navy as a 17-year-old high school junior and served in the pacific theatre during World War II. Upon completion of his enlistment, he returned to Frederickstown High School to complete his secondary education. Here, he met Mona Lee Schwaner, his wife of 74 years, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology and a masters in public health from Southeast Missouri State University and the University of Minnesota, respectively. Leslie’s early career was spent working for county public health departments in Missouri and Illinois. He retired from the Illinois State Public Health Department in 1992.

Leslie was an exceptional father, despite or maybe due to the fact that to the best of this author’s knowledge, he never knew his. Through his devotion to his wife, he showed his family that to love another person, and have that love equally returned is life’s greatest gift.

His passion for fishing, quail hunting and loyal bird dogs was passed on to his sons and close friend Gregg Brown: who entered his life as his son’s buddy and quickly became “family”. Through the lens of hindsight, it is now clear that the hunting and fishing outings Leslie coordinated were designed primarily to instill in the participants a deeper appreciation of God’s handiwork. Each of the bird dogs he loved repaid his kindness through their lifetime devotion to him and were counted among the blessings he cherished. Those of us left to mourn his passing will continue to enjoy an advantage in living our lives that he never had…..his example.

Leslie Miller leaves behind his wife, Mona Lee Miller of Carbondale, Illinois: sons, Timothy (Amy) Miller of St. Louis, Missouri and Mark (Kathy) Miller of Benton, Illinois; grandchildren, Rachel Miller and Andrea Miller, their mother, Lisa Gariepy of Benton, Illinois and dear friend, Gregg (Stephanie) Brown of Austin, Texas.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Per Leslie’s wishes, cremation will take place.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Lois Evelyn Smith-Centralia, IL (formerly of Benton, IL)

Lois Evelyn Smith, 94, of Centralia, IL (formerly of Benton, IL) passed away on Friday morning February 14, 2025 at the Centralia Manor in Centralia, IL.

She was born in Benton, IL on February 5, 1931, the daughter of Rassie & Nellie (McCasland) Summers.

She married Charles Fred Smith, Jr. on February 3, 1951 and he preceded her in death on November 6, 2020.

Lois is survived by her:
3 Children:
Dennis Smith & wife Marya, of Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Denise Brink & husband John of Hoyleton, IL
Darin Smith of Nashville, IL
6 Grandchildren: Cody Smith, Peyton Smith, Amy Baker, Reggie Smith, Hali Swain & Katelyn Wangler
5 Great-Grandchildren
1 Great-Great-Grandchild

Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her parents, husband and four brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Jim Muir officiating. Burial will be in the Brady Cemetery in Akin. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Marilyn Kaye Perry-Benton, IL

Marilyn Kaye Perry, 78, of Benton, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. She was born on September 2, 1946 in McLeansboro to Blueford and Evelyn Hall. On April 1, 1964, she married Jerry Richard Perry in Manteno, IL, and he survives.

In her younger years, Marilyn enjoyed growing flowers and gardening with Jerry. She worked for many years as the head cook for Benton Consolidated Schools. She was known for baking bread and desserts for the teachers, and her grandsons would help her deliver them. Marilyn showed her love by cooking for her children and grandchildren. She was known for taking care of those she loved, and could easily be simply described as a mother.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Jerry Richard Perry, of Benton; daughter Gretchen Kaye Tincher, and husband Ron, of Marion; son Brent Richard Perry of Benton; four grandsons: Tucker Lee Perry, Logan Cole Perry, and Colt Austin Perry, all of Benton, and Brodie Kane Perry of McLeansboro; step-granddaughter: Stephanie Nguyen, and husband Lee, of Marion; 3 step great-grandchildren: Nevaeh Nguyen, Jaden Nguyen, and Smith Nguyen, all of Marion; niece Chris McGill of Bourbonnais, and two great-nephews: Randal McGill and Andrew McGill, both of Bourbonnais.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Lowell Page, sister Phyllis McGill and nephew Ed McGill.

Private arrangements are being made for Marilyn Perry with a private burial at Little Springs Cemetery near Dale. Memorial donations may be made to Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and will be accepted at Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro.

Patricia Carol Brewster-Valier, IL

Patricia Carol Brewster, 85, of Valier passed away on Tuesday February 11, 2025 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday February 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Valier First Baptist Church with Pastor Mark Rich officiating.

Robert “Pizza Bob” Bleichner-Benton, IL

Robert “Pizza Bob” Bleichner, 78, of Benton passed away on Tuesday afternoon February 11, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born in Urbana, IL on May 29, 1946 the son of Lawrence & Rebecca (Ochs) Bleichner.

He married Loyce McCollum on February 17, 1979 in West City, IL and she preceded him in death on August 12, 2012.

Mr. Bleichner owned and operated the Pizza Shack for 42 years, and was the first pizza place in town. He was famous for his pizza, tacos, and taco sauce (No, you can’t have the recipe!). He was a member of the Boccie Ball Club, had season tickets to the Indianapolis 500, and enjoyed going to auctions. Long before it was popular, Bob had an extreme couponing phase, and his wife joked that while other husbands were out running the bars, hers was out running the grocery stores. He enjoyed dinner parties with friends Henry & Linda Moore and loved visiting with his grandchildren. Bob was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton and the famously self-appointed Mayor and Sheriff of Pickle City, Illinois.

Mr. Bleichner is survived by his:
Children:
Erin (Shannon) Wright
Alan Brockett
Robert Bleichner
Amanda Bleichner & husband Adam Fletcher
Ryan Bleichner

Grandchildren:
Victoria Atchison
Samuel Anastasi
Addison Anastasi
Elliette Fletcher
Rowan Fletcher

Great-Granddaughter: Magnolia Atchison
Siblings:
Martina Dial & husband Allen
Janice Revell
Brother-in-law: Michael (Jolene) McCollum
Many nieces and nephews in Champaign County and southeast Missouri

Mr. Bleichner was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, Brothers-L.J. Bleichner, Paul Bleichner, Carl Bleichner, Sister-Beverly, Sister-in-law-Ruth McCollum, Brother-in-law-Steven McCollum, niece Phyllis Bowman, and his recently departed cat Buddy.

A Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 15th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. A Graveside services will follow immediately after the visitation at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton with Military Rites conducted by the Benton American Legion Post #280, VFW Post #2671 and the Army Honor Team.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Jane “Granny” Dillon-Benton, Illinois

Mrs. Jane Ellen Freeman Dillon, 87 years, 11 months and 12 days, of Benton passed away at 5:08 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025, at her home in Benton, Illinois surrounded by her 4 children, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Jane was born on February 27, 1937, at the home of her grandmother in Benton, the daughter of Earnest Freeman and Juanita (Jones) Freeman. Jane was baptized at a young age (March 25, 1951) and a member of the First Baptist Church for 73 years. She graduated from Benton Consolidated High School in 1955.

She met the love of her life, Donald L. Dillon while on a hayride in her freshman year of high school. She always told the story they both had gone with other people but left that night together. They proceeded to date throughout high school and married the fall after graduation, September 4, 1955. Together they would share 57 of years of marriage until his death on October 30, 2012. To this union were born Victoria Ann, Donald (Skip) Freeman, Valerie Lynn, and Tracy Lee.

Although Jane worked for a period of time, her greatest joy and passion was her family. She loved traditional Sunday dinners and for decades would fry up numerous chickens and make 2 homemade pies. Her signature trademark was the kitchen towel she always had over her shoulder and her sweet tea. Having grown up in a small family herself, Jane loved that her house was the gathering place for her kids’ friends and later grandkids and their friends and was known in the community as ‘Granny.’ Her door was never locked, nor did anyone ever have to knock, but just walk in one and all. She would always make up large batches of food for the revolving door of people. It wasn’t unusual on a Friday night after a football game to see a line from her kitchen through the house and out the front door of hungry teenagers waiting for their turn and never knowing what kids she would find sleeping on her couch of a morning.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, infant brother and a sister, Patricia (Trish) (Freeman) Aiken.

Surviving are her children: Vicky (Leon) Sanders of Benton, Skip (Joyce) Dillon of Flora, IL, Valerie (Denny) Benns, Valier, IL and Tracy (Kent) Edwards of Memphis, TN; 11 grandchildren: Melanie (Brian) Johns of O’Fallon, IL, Jessica (Josh) Corduan of Lake St. Louis, MO, Steven (Taylor) Sander of Benton, Mitchell Dillon and partner Jose Gracia of NY, NY, Mallori (Corey) Walker of Flora, IL, Nick (Celeste) Batts of Herrin, IL, Cassie Jay and significant other Chris Oraha of Benton, Jake (Katie) Batts of Benton, Audry (Aaron) Ginsburg of NY, NY, Meredith Hamilton of Nashville, TN and Quincy Hamilton and fiancé Logan Snell of Indianapolis, IN; 14 great-children: Piper Corduan, Timber, Tinley and Ranger Sanders, Mia and Cameron Walker, Hayes and Peyton Batts, Karrigan and Harrison Jay, Carter, Henry and Wells Batts, and Sloane Ginsburg. Nieces: Laura Aiken and Lynne Aiken of San Angelo, Tx; Cousins: Barbara (Ken) Whittington of Benton, Kathy Dwyer of Benton and Lynette Keeling of Louisville, KY; Brother-in-laws Butch (BJ) Dillon of Marcellus, MI, David (Katie) Dillon of Austin, TX; Sister-in-laws Darlene (Randy) Ayres of San Antonio, TX, Jane Sanders of Benton and close friend since 3rd grade Suzanne (Suzie) Baker of Benton.

Funeral services for Jane will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Pastor Jim Jenkel officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellow Cemetery of Benton, IL. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Benton and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Jane, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Penni Dunford-Benton, Illinois

Penni Dunford, age 64, of Benton, grasped the hand of her Lord and Savior at 6:57 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025; surrounded by her husband and sons, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Her wishes are to be cremated, with a Celebration of Life, to be held at a future date.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Penni was born on August 18, 1960, in Herrin, Illinois, the daughter of Gene Jent and Vicki (Gantz) Jent. On August 28, 1981, she married Jeff Dunford, and together they shared 43 years of marriage.
She formerly worked as a clerk at the Franklin Hospital of Benton and was a homemaker.

Penni enjoyed going to Rend Lake, taking Sunday drives, going on family trips, watching the Andy Griffith show, and decorating her home for the holidays.
Penni is survived by her loving husband Jeff Dunford of Benton, Illinois; two sons Cameron Dunford of Benton, Illinois and Chason Dunford of Carterville, Illinois; a brother Dennis Jent and wife Sandra of West Frankfort, Illinois; and several kids that spent time in her home that she treated as her own.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the 3200 crew and the Palliative care team at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Memorial contributions in memory of Penni Dunford, may be made to the Finding Forever Animal Rescue, 1117 East Main Street, Marion, Illinois 62959; @ffanimalrescue
To leave condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Penni, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News