Jacob “Jake” R. Kramer, 42, of Denver, CO., passed away on June 25, 2023 in Thompsonville, IL.

He was born on August 17, 1980, to John Kramer and Valerie (Mason) Vicari in Benton, IL. Jacob graduated from Eastern Illinois University, receiving his Bachelors Degree. He would then receive his Master from DePaul University.

Jake was a loving son and father. His two values in life was helping others and being a proud father. He was a highly intelligent individual, who always lead with his heart. Jacob taught English for many years. He loved music and performing, reading and was a life long learner.

Jacob “Jake” is survived by his daughter, Elena Kramer; son, Declan Kramer; father, John Kramer; mother, Valerie (Victor) Vicari; two brothers, Hunter Rone and Adrien DeMartini; two sisters, Athens DeMartini and Tessa Leech.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

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

Visitation will be held Friday, June 30, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, June 30, 2023, at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Alan Newman, officiating.

Memorials may be made to Jennifer Law, in care Jacob’s children, Elena and Declan, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Mary Ann Townzen-Wall, 83, of Christopher, passed away on Sunday June 25, 2023 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion.

She was born on March 11, 1940 in Coello, IL to Dave and Jeanette (Docherty) Orr.

She is survived by her step-children Michael (Jaymie) Townzen of Peoria, IL, Jeremy (Christina) Townzen of Missouri, Patrick (Lindsey) Townzen of Marion, IL and Christopher (Crystal) Townzen of Indiana, nieces and nephews Michael (Judy) McClendon of Missouri, Sharon King of Benton, Gary (Sally) Ceasar of Christopher, Phillip (Sonja) Ceasar of Buckner, Danny Ceasar of Christopher and Cyrilene Hicks of Christopher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Husband Michael Townzen and two sisters Grace Howerton and Irene Ceasar.

Mary Ann’s wish was for her body to be donated to the SIU School of Medicine.

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

Eugenia Darlene “Dar” Kollra, age 70, of Benton, Illinois and formerly of Tuscon, Arizona; passed away at 9:09 a.m. CST, Sunday, June 25, 2023, at the St. Mary’s Hospital of Tuscon, Arizona.

Dar’s wishes are to be cremated. A graveside Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois.

She was born in Newnen, Georgia, on August 30, 1952; the daughter of Roy Milam and Charlotte (Guinn) Milam. She was married to Mark Kollra; and he preceded her in death.

Dar was a retired Canteen Supervisor with the VA Hospital in Tuscon.

She enjoyed playing cards, watching Investigation and Discovery Television (IDTV), visiting and spending time with family and friends, and especially enjoyed spending time and spoiling her grandchildren.

Surviving are two daughters: Denise Chaffin-Ford and wife Wanda of Benton, IL, Debbie Jean Gibbs and husband Ken of Galatia, IL; a son Rondal Lee Ford of Marion, IL; four grandchildren: Kelsey Clark, Kaitlyn Ford, Destin Ford, Aiden Ford; three great-granddaughters: Americus Clark, Skyler Clark, Kynzley Ford; a sister Holly Andrus of Florida; several brothers; close friends: Sandy, Ed, Rebel, Kim; and he fur baby Namey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Mark Kollra, a son Jeffrey Wayne Ford (Nov. 19, 2021) and twin sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Lady’s Auxiliary of the Benton American Legion and VFW.

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

George Orshak, 77, of Buckner, passed away at 6:25 a.m., on Monday, June 19, 2023, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.

He was born on November 27, 1945, to George and Anna (Tyrpak) Orshak in West Frankfort, IL.
George was a United State Air Force veteran.

He was a member of the Protection of the Holy Mary Orthodox Church in Royalton, IL. George loved visiting with family and friends and enjoyed watching television.
George is survived by his sister, Phyllis A Petty of Benton and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George, Sr. and Anna L. Orshak,and his sister, Elizabeth H. Browning.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home. 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Per George’s wishes, cremation will take place, a private graveside service will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Melvin D. Dixon, 74, of Benton, passed away at 6:47 p.m., on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on September 21, 1948, to William and Florence (Watson) Dixon in Christopher, IL. He graduated from Benton Community High School, Class of 1966. When he was in high school, he worked for Davis Feed Store.

Melvin is a Veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. In 1967, he entered the Army serving three years and was discharged as an E5 Specialist receiving the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He returned to his family in Benton, working at Roses Gas Station.

On June 5th, 1971, he married the former Barbara Learned. Shortly after their marriage, he was hired by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department as a Jailer. After 4 months, he was promoted to Deputy. On October 11, 1973, he was hired as a full-time police officer at the Benton Police Department, serving 28 years. During his tenure at the police department he served in many positions, from Drug Task Force to Police Chief. He retired on October 19, 2001. He was also a member of the Police Pension Board. Melvin then joined Brinks Armored Car Service for 13 years, until he finally retired in 2014.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather. He enjoyed going to the gun range, watching his grandkids sporting events and attending every event they participated in. He also enjoyed traveling and classic cars. He loved being actively involved in the Benton Community and seeing it evolve.

Melvin was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton, IL, and a former member of the choir.

Mr. Dixon is survived by his loving spouse of 52 years, Barbara, two daughters, Amanda Miller and husband, Troy, of Benton and Sarah Stowers and husband, Derek, of Benton; five grandchildren, Matthew Miller, Logan Stowers, Isabella Miller, Lenox Stowers and Lance Stowers; brother, James Dixon of Benton; sister-in-law, Melissa Learned; three nephews, Ryan Dixon, Travis Dixon and Corky Miller and two nieces, Debbie VanWinkle and Jill Blythe.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William B. and Florence Dixon, a brother, William C. Jackson, a sister, Charlotte Miller and sister-in-law, Kay Dixon.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Jesse Hinds, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United State Army Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Victor H. Sauerhage, Jr., 62, of St. Louis, MO passed away after a short battle with cancer on Wednesday afternoon June 14, 2023 in Mercy West Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

He was born in DuQuoin, IL on April 24, 1961 the son of Vic Sauerhage, Sr. & Barbara Sue (Moore) Sauerhage.
When he was young Victor was a coach at Sloan Gymnastics and he loved that, he also traveled to several meets as a judge. Mr. Sauerhage worked in Retail Sales.
Victor is survived by his:

Mother: Barbara Sauerhage of Benton
Sister: Lynda Depue & husband George of Taylorville
Brother: Harry Lee Sauerhage & wife Lisa of Benton
Lifelong partner: John Parker, Sr. of St. Louis, MO
2 Children:
Onae Parker of Alton
John Parker, Jr. of St. Louis, MO
3 Grandchildren: Kadyn, Royce & Raegyn (his little Lucy Mae)
Very special Cousin: Janaira Wagoner
Special Uncle & Aunt: Wilma Wagoner & husband Bud
Nieces & Nephews:
Toni & Tod Morgan and their children Tad & Heather
Tyler & wife Kirsten Malkovich
Ryan & wife Brandi Sauerhage and their children-Brantlee & Hadley
Ryan & wife Rachel Fraulini and their children-Easton & Paisley
Whitney Sauerhage & Mark Kovach
Nic & wife Sam Depue and their children-Leah, Noah, Luc & Madeline
His very special furry babies: Jody & Max
Several very special Cousins, Aunts & Uncles
Special lifetime friend: Bradley Willard aka “Little Willie”

Mr. Sauerhage was preceded in death by his Father-Vic Sauerhage, Sr., Great-Niece: Adalynn Depue and Grandparents-Willie & Minnie Moore and Raymond & Bertha Sauerhage.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 17th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Joe Zbinden officiating. Visitation will be after 9:00 A.M. on Saturday at the funeral home. A meal will be served immediately following the service at the Steel City Baptist Church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Donald J. Hardin, 80, of Zeigler, passed away on June 10, 2023 at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on November 29, 1942 to Claude and Willie Mae (Simmons) Hardin. He married Cindy Sue (Duenos) Hardin on January 5, 2005.

He is survived by his wife Cindy Hardin of Zeigler; children Theresa (Dean) Dubois of Kenosha, WI, Tammy Hardin of Kenosha, WI, Donald (Kyndrea) Hardin of Crane, MO, Deborah Hardin of Kenosha, WI and Joshua (Kaleigh) Duenos of Marion, IL and several Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife Linda Hardin, one sister Barbara Jones and two brothers Billy Hardin and Jimmy Hardin.

He was a man who fiercely loved God, his wife, family and friends. He was a wonderful father and example for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a respected businessman, who was known for his honesty. Often referred to by friends and church family as the kindest gentle giant with the biggest heart. Don had the gift of hospitality. If you came to his home, you were not leaving without him preparing you a meal or sending one with you. He loved to cook, grill, serve at church, help others, garden, flowers, antiques, camping and being outdoors and old cars, especially his 46 Ford lovingly known as “Tater”. Don touched the lives of so many with his giving, kindness and love for God. He often said “God and Me Love You”. He will be forever missed and loved by his wife and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday June 17, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Christian Life Center, 1901 North Park Avenue Herrin, IL 62948.

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

Ian David Fee, age 40, of Benton, passed away Sunday evening June 11, 2023, from injuries sustained in a single vehicle accident.

Ian was born on November 27, 1982, in Manchester, KY, the son of Roscoe Fee and Rhonda Marshall.

He was employed as a safety inspector with Sierra Bravo Contractors of Sesser.

Ian was a graduate of SIU-Carbondale with a bachelor’s degree in Work Force Education and Development.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and snow skiing. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his daughter.

Surviving is his daughter Darby Laine Fee of Benton, IL; father Roscoe Fee of Benton, IL; his mother Rhonda Marshall of Marion, IL; two sisters: Andrea Fee and wife Paige of Austin, TX, Macy Fee of Benton, IL; his grandmother Bonnie Marshall of Benton, IL; many friends and acquaintances.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Kent Marshall; and paternal grandparents Arlee and Daisy Fee.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Karl Barnfield officiating.

Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions In Memory of Ian, may be made to his daughter Darby, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Ian, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Peggy Ann Severin, age 76, of West Frankfort; went home to be with her Lord and Savior in Heaven at 5:47 a.m. Monday, June 12, 2023.

Peggy’s wishes are to be cremated.

Private family Celebration of Life Services will be held at a future date.

Peggy was born on September 13, 1946, in West Frankfort, IL, the daughter of Aud Edwards and Bonnie (Odle) Edwards. She was adopted and raised by Walter and Louise Fleming of West Frankfort. She would marry Dale Russell Severin on October 28, 1962; and together they shared 60 years of marriage.

She along with her husband was the owner/operator of Severin Garden Center of West Frankfort.

Peggy was a member of Faith Assembly Fellowship of West Frankfort, where she enjoyed teaching Sunday School to pre-K children. She was exceptionally talented as a Sunday School Teacher.

Peggy had a passion for Missions. She and Dale would spend many Christmas Days aiding and assisting children in Jamaica. She was very compassionate to help and see to the needs of others.

She enjoyed and loved cats, especially her cat Milo.

Surviving is her loving husband of 60 years, Dale Severin of West Frankfort, IL; a son Steven Severin of West Frankfort, IL; three grandsons: Cory Severin of West Frankfort, IL, Adam Severin of Marion, IL, and Jacob Severin of West Frankfort, IL.

She was preceded in death by her birth parents, adopted parents, a son Shawn Severin, and a sister Janice Spain.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions In Memory of Peggy, may be made to Dale Severin to be designated for Missions. Please mail donations to Dale Severin, 717 North Gardner Street, West Frankfort, IL 62896.

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

Cremation arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Jerrel D. Dungy went home to be with the Lord on June 10, 2023, with his family around him.

He was born to Drennan & Genevieve (Tate) Dungy on October 1, 1941.

He married Katie (Conner) Dungy on March 16, 1963. Together they have three children: Karen Miller, Rhea Eva (Joey) Hutchcraft & Matthew (Andrea) Dungy.
They have 7 grandchildren: Brandon Hess (fiancé Laura), Samuel Miller, Shelby (Matthew) Androvandi, Ben (Katlynn) Hutchcraft, Ike (Parker) Hutchcraft, Zach Dungy (deceased) and Addie Dungy. Also surviving are four great-grandchildren: Wesley, Noah and Jaxson Androvandi and Audrey Hutchcraft. He is survived by two sisters, Reita Morris and June Jones, several nieces, nephews and cousins, a special nephew Brent (Susan) Morris who they helped raise, and a special friend Dan Halliday who was such an encourager and help through Jerrel’s illness (22 months) as was his sister June.

He was preceded in death by his grandson Zach and two brothers-in-law, Ed Morris and Melvin Jones.

He was saved when he was 21 years old at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He said he might have failed God, but God never failed him. He wanted people to come to know the Lord as their Savior and had the privilege of leading some to Salvation.

Jerrel was a faithful member of the Jackson Grove Baptist Church where he served as Deacon and Sunday School Teacher until his health failed.
He loved the farm and wanted to be a good steward of the land that God gave him.
He loved his family and his desire was to see all of them in Heaven someday.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 14th at the Jackson Grove Baptist Church with Pastor Don Bullard, Pastor Kevin Bullard and Dan Halliday officiating. Burial will be in the Phillips Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M to 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday at the church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com