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Pagel Funeral Homes, 100 N Olive Street, Saint Elmo, IL (2025)

10/02/2025

Francis Arlene Byers Adamson, age 86, of Watson, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham.
Funeral service will be on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Mason Christian Church in Mason, Illinois with a two-hour visitation prior to the service. Pastor Mark White will be officiating. Interment will follow at Keen’s Chapel Cemetery in Farina. In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, The Shriner’s Organization, or the donor’s choice.
Arlene was born on May 15, 1939, the daughter of Harold Richard Byers and Nellie Louise Guerrettaz Byers. She married the love of her life Denzel Leroy Adamson on December 31, 1963 in Effingham, Illinois. Arlene started working at a young age, picking strawberries for neighbors, and when she got older worked at Brown’s Egg Factory. She was then a telephone operator for Illinois Bell for years. She waited tables at the Holiday Inn, and then worked as a furnace operator at General Electric. Arlene then worked at Peerless of America and retired from there, and after a time went back to work with Unit 40 Effingham Schools as a lunchroom supervisor.
Arlene undeniably loved reading, and especially enjoyed reading mystery books. She also loved gardening and flowers. She was a social butterfly, and absolutely adored people. She got a kick out of traveling, unless it was over the mountains in a Winnebago. Arlene loved her family and friends more than anything and cherished every moment she spent with them. She also thoroughly enjoyed having a treat every now and then, especially strawberry ice cream, and you rarely saw her without a Diet Coke in her hand.
Arlene is survived by her son, Kent Robinson (Barb) of Mason; daughters Denise Anderson of Mason and Lynette Adamson (Paul LeBeau) of Watson; grandchildren, Stephanie and Michelle; five great-grandchildren, Logan, Leah, Bryant, Brent, and Taylor; and one great-great grandchild on the way.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Denzel Adamson; parents, Harold and Nellie Byers; brothers, Dale Byers and Dean Byers; sisters, Sharon Byers and Debra Byers; and son-in-law Brian Anderson.

09/22/2025

James “Jim” Albert Herrick, age 89, of Iola, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, September 20, 2025 in Clay County, Illinois.

Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 26, 2025 at Pagel Funeral Home in Edgewood, Illinois, with visitation two hours prior to the service. Interment will follow at Iola Cemetery. Pastor Michael Durre will be presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Clay County Hospice, Edgewood Opry, or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com.

Jim was born on August 16, 1936 in Iola, Illinois, the son of Harris Herrick and Martha Jones. He worked for many years with the International Union of Elevator Constructors. He met his sweetheart Erma while working at the hospital in Springfield. Jim loved being outdoors, and especially loved riding horses. He also enjoyed spending time riding motorcycles. James also liked music, and singing and playing at the Edgewood Opry.

Jim is survived by his son, James Herrick; daughter, Deborah “Debbie” Herrick; brother, William “Bill” (Sherry) Herrick; granddaughter, Brooke; four great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, as well as his sweetheart of 26 years, Erma Whaley and adopted daughter, Tammy Bitner.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Herrick; parents, Harris and Martha Herrick; and sisters, Marceline Williamson, Jackie Allen and Joan Savage.

09/17/2025

Lavina M. Opfer, age 96, of St. Peter, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 in Altamont, Illinois.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 19, 2025 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in St. Peter, Illinois with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. Ryan Meyer will be officiating. Interment will follow at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery. Memorials may go to St. Peter Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com

Lavina was born on April 29, 1929 in Fayette County, Illinois to Edward Drewes and Lillian Rebbe. She married her husband, Kenneth Edward Opfer on December 19, 1948 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Shobonier, Illinois. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and worked for the USPS as a rural carrier for 25 years. Lavina was an avid Illini fan and loved playing pinochle and sheephead card games. She loved to go to Gatch Lake, and baking chocolate chip cookies for her grandkids every week, which they loved eating. She enjoyed watching her grandkids play ball, especially volleyball. She also enjoyed traveling, bowling and gardening.

Lavina is survived by her son, Kevin Opfer (Julie) of Shobonier; daughter, Vanessa Wasmuth of Farina; grandchildren, Taylor Opfer, Kendall Opfer (Andrea), Trevor Opfer, Tanner Opfer (Kristina), and Doug Wasmuth; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenny Opfer; parents, Edward and Lillian Drewes; son-in-law Mike Wasmuth; and her brother, Delbert Drewes.

09/04/2025

Rosalee “Rose” Willis Burgess, age 90, formerly of Edgewood, Illinois passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 8, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Pagel Funeral Home in Edgewood, Illinois, with Graveside Service immediately after with interment at Edgewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to the Alzheimer's Association or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com.

Rosalee was born on July 4, 1935 to Otto Willis and Lottie Smith Willis. She married her husband Leroy Burgess on January 22, 1959 at the Louisville Methodist Church in Louisville, Illinois. She was a member of the Edgewood Christian Church for many years, where she loved singing in the choir and serving in the Angels group. She especially loved singing with her sister, Phyllis. She also enjoyed spending time volunteering with the American Cancer Society.

Rose is survived by her daughter, Pam Barak (Richard) of Louisville, Kentucky; as well as her three grandchildren, Brandon Barak (Analyn), Kaley Barak, and Matthew Barak; and two great-grandchildren, Kade and Harvie Mae.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy Burgess; son, Stephen Leroy Burgess; parents, Otto and Lottie Willis; brothers, Aden Willis, Dillard Willis, Richard Willis, and Herman Willis; sisters, Marzella Petersen, Velma Daniels, Genelle Hillyer Tucker, and Phyllis Danks.

08/30/2025

Sharon LaVonne Wagner, age 79, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away at 10:58 p.m. Friday, August 29, 2025 in the comfort of her home.

A celebration of the life of Reverend Sharon Wagner will be on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. at the Centennial Building in St. Elmo, Illinois. Memorials may go to the family or the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com

Sharon was born on June 13, 1946 in San Francisco, California, the daughter of Howard and Elizabeth (McCarthy) Prater. She graduated from Pleasant Hill High School in California and then went on to obtain her bachelor’s degree from California State University Hayward and graduate degree from St. Mary’s University and the Episcopal School for Deacons in the Diocese of California. She married Fred Wagner in 1971 in California. Sharon was a teacher in California for over 20 years and an Episcopal Deacon in the Diocese of California. She loved Project Linus quilting, doing jigsaw puzzles, and following the Annual Tour De France.

She is survived by her husband, Fred Wagner of St. Elmo; daughters, Nicole Mullicane (husband Mark) of California, Juliana Wagner (wife Pam Saylor) of St. Elmo, Illinois, and Katie Dye (husband Jeremiah) of Missouri; grandchildren, Skylar, Cassie, and Isaiah Dye; special grandchildren, Isiah, Aubrey, Leah, and Scarlett Saylor; sister, Kathy Donovan (husband Patrick) of California.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Elizabeth Prater.

08/26/2025

Allen Lee Garrison, age 73 yrs, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away at 12:30 am on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Lakeland Rehab & Healthcare Center in Effingham, Illinois. A private family gathering will be at a later date.

08/25/2025

David Ray Yingst, age 73, of Bunker, Missouri passed away on Sunday, August 24, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Funeral service will be at 5:00 PM on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Pagel Funeral Home in Edgewood, Illinois, with visitation from 3:00 PM until the time of service. Brenda Byers will be officiating. Interment will be in Mahon Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Pagel Funeral Home to help the family with final expenses, or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com

David was born on February 23, 1952 in Gillmore, Illinois, the son of Lewis and Violet (Landreth) Yingst. He married his wife, Christie Heckard on November 11, 1999 in Louisville, Illinois. David loved to go camping and fishing, and loved fixing up old cars and tinkering. He loved getting together with family and friends and loved hosting gatherings, hay rides, and spending holidays with everyone.

He is survived by his wife, Christie Yingst of Bunker, Missouri; sons, David Yingst (Allie) of Joliet, Wyoming, Shawn Ryan of Louisville, Timothy Yingst of Oklahoma, Chris Yingst of Kansas; daughters, Bonnie Fender (Wayne) of Jacksonville, Alabama, Jennie Yingst (Mike Shock) of Noble, Alisha Rosas (Jorge) of Wichita, Kansas, Ashley Burgess (Troy) of Edgewood, and Yuki-onna Yingst, Dayenaira Yingst, and Kaori Yingst of Bunker, Missouri; brothers, Victor Yingst (Debra) of Edgewood, Robert Yingst (Sara) of Farina, and Glenn Yingst (Diane) of Edgewood; sisters, Violet Lilley (Don) of Louisville, Ruth Yingst of Farina, and Fern Hays of Mason; 34 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his infant son, Joseph Yingst; parents, Lewis and Violet Yingst; great-granddaughter, Anastasia Wooters; sisters, Kathleen Yingst, Betty Fancher, Ruby Caldwell, Emma Davis, and Maxine Wilson; brothers, James Yingst, Buddy Yingst and Carl Yingst.

08/11/2025

Diana Mae Podeszwa, age 94, of Effingham, Illinois passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at Saint Anthony Hospital.

A private celebration of life for family and close friends will take place at a later date, with inurnment following at Iola Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may go to the donor’s choice. Online condolences can be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com.

Diana was born on October 31, 1930 in Larkinsburg Township, the daughter of Ruba Owen White, Sr. and Minnie Mae Freeman. She married Leonard Podeszwa on May 27, 1961. They met when they were riding on the bus up to Chicago when he sat down beside her, and he was so impressed with her that he tracked her down at work to take her out on a date. She worked as a telegraph operator with Western Union for many years. Diana was an avid reader, and she kept a composition book of every author and book she read. She was a quilter, and loved sewing, quilting, and crocheting. She also loved to play golf with her husband Lenny.

Diana is survived by her sister-in-law, Jane White; and nephews, Dale Cook, Donald Logan, Kevin Logan (Sally), and Brett White (Julie); nieces, Linda Cook, Cathy Stein (Kerry), and Nancy Hinton (Randy).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Podeszwa; infant daughter, Kimberly Sue Podeszwa; parents, Ruba and Minnie White; brother, Ruba Owen, Jr.; sisters, Crystal Ulain Cook and Lula June Logan; brother-in-law, Joy Dean Logan; and nephews, Larry Logan and Joey Lynn Logan.

08/11/2025

Edward George Schatz, age 96, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Edgewood, Illinois at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Visitation will be held the same day from 8:30 – 9:30 AM at Pagel Funeral Home in Edgewood, Illinois. Interment will follow at St. Anne’s Catholic Cemetery in Edgewood, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anne Catholic Church in Edgewood, Altamont Lutheran Care Center, or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com.

Edward was born on January 24, 1929 in Fayette County, Illinois, the son of George F. and Mary Alvena (Kramer) Schatz. Ed was a lifelong member of St. Anne Catholic Church and realized the importance of giving God His due time at Mass each Sunday. Ed was awarded a 75-year member recognition from the Farina American Legion Post 411. Ed farmed with his brother, Francis, for over 75 years, only taking time away to serve his country in Korea. Ed was a man who never threw anything away, because he “might need it someday”. If he broke it, he fixed it. Ed could always be seen wearing one of his caps, whether it was Army, John Deere, seed corn, or floppy sun. He was a tough old guy, and to him a clean farm was as important as a clean conscience. He has gone on to his eternal rest, where there are no more flat tires or working long hours, and his memory will be forever cherished by his family and friends. Ed’s family is grateful to the wonderful staff at Lutheran Care Center in Altamont for the excellent care they provided.

Ed is survived by his special supportive friend, Delores Vogel of Farina; sisters, Virginia Mansfield of Chesterfield, Missouri, Dorothy Duff of Henderson, Illinois, Dolores (Dave) Peters of Omaha, Nebraska; brother, Robert (Corrine) Schatz of Dubuque, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Schatz; brother, Francis Schatz; sister, Mary Catherine Russell; brothers-in-law, Richard Duff, Robert Mansfield, Paul Knight, and Howard Russell.

08/11/2025

Carroll Louis Ernst, age 81, of Farina, Illinois, passed away on Monday, August 4, 2025 at his home.

Graveside service with military rites will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM at Farina Cemetery in Farina, Illinois. Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025 from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at Pagel Funeral Home in Edgewood, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edgewood American Legion Post 1168 or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com.

Carroll was born on August 9, 1943 in Fayette County, Illinois, the son of Herbert Ernst and Martha Schneider. He worked as a farmer for many years. Carroll enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping. He served his country in the United States Army and then transferred to the United States Army Reserve. He was an active member of the Edgewood American Legion Post 1168 for many years.

Carroll is survived by his son, Larry Dean Ernst. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Elene Marlow and daughter, Terri Lynn Hall.

08/03/2025

Howard Edward “Pete” McGuire, age 90, of Edgewood, Illinois passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at his home.

Funeral service will be on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Pagel Funeral Home in Edgewood, Illinois. Masonic Rites will take place prior to the service at 12:00 PM, with Funeral Service starting at 12:30 PM. Visitation will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Pastor Jim Whitaker will be officiating. Interment will follow at Arborcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Shriners Children’s Hospital or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com.

Howard was born on May 24, 1935 to Arthur and Mildred McGuire. He married his sweetheart Judith Landers on February 24, 1964 in Effingham, Illinois. He worked as a truck driver with Shell Oil in East Chicago for many years. He served his country in the United States Army from 1958 to 1960 where he was awarded the good conduct medal, was an expert gunner, and earned multiple marksman badges. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and loved supporting the Fighting Illini Basketball Team. He loved gardening and farming, and was a bowler for many years. He also loved wood carving, which he learned while he and Judith wintered in Florida. He and Judith were also members of the Little Wabash Camping Club, and enjoyed traveling around to different state parks. Howard was involved in a number of civic organizations, and loved giving back to his community. Howard was a member of the Shriners Organization, Altamont American Legion Post 512, and a member of the Edgewood Masonic Lodge # 0484.

Howard is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Judith McGuire; son, Charles “Chuck” McGuire (Julie) of Surprise, Arizona; daughters, Donna Golumbeck of Highland, Indiana and Gina Scheidler of North Riverside, Illinois; grandchildren, Elena McGuire, Matthew Daniel, Lydia Scheidler, Andrew Golumbeck, Luke Daniel, Gavin Scheidler, Emily Golumbeck, Joe Scheidler, and Olivia Golumbeck.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy McGuire Daniel; parents; Arthur and Mildred McGuire; brother, Calvin McGuire; and sister, Nola Brown.

07/31/2025

Melvin M. Williams, age 94, of St. Elmo, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at his home in St. Elmo, Illinois.

Funeral service will be at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, August 2, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Altamont, Illinois with a visitation two hours prior to service. Rev. Bill Weaver will be officiating. Interment will be at Sidener Cemetery, rural St. Elmo. Memorials may go to The Benevolence Fund First Baptist Church, Altamont, Illinois, or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com

Melvin was born on January 1, 1931, in Mulberry Grove, Illinois, the son of Virgil and Maggie (Gum) Williams. He married Ethelyn Hunsaker on November 24, 1954 in Vandalia, Illinois. Melvin was a U.S. Army Veteran, having served in the Korean Conflict. He retired in 1987, after teaching 7th and 8th grade math for 32 years at St. Elmo Jr. High. He was the Head teacher in Jr. High, and sponsor of the National Honor Society for Jr. High. He was a member of N.E.A., IL Retired Teachers and St. Elmo American Legion. He put himself through college by being a barber. He worked tirelessly helping others solve their problems, playing the piano, and singing in the church choir.

He is survived by his wife, Ethelyn Williams of St. Elmo, Illinois; daughter, Kay (Dan) Roach of Washington, Indiana; son, David Williams of St. Elmo, Illinois; sister, Arlene (Robert) Hunsaker of St. Elmo, Illinois; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Maggie Williams, and son, Bruce Williams.

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