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Marks Mortuary, 633 E. Lorena Avenue, Wood River, IL (2026)

01/13/2026

David Shaw
- Godfrey

David Lee Shaw, 72, passed away January 10, 2026 at Missouri Baptist Hospital in Town and Country.

Born January 27, 1953 in White Hall, IL, he was the son of Cecil Leroy and Doris Jean (Smith) Shaw.

David retired as a Senior Vice President of Operations for Kirby Inland Marine after 38 years in 2011.

On November 2, 1974 in Wood River, he married Rebecca E. Hale. She died October 13, 2011.

He then married Linda MacDowell on December 29, 2012. She survives.

Surviving also are three sons, Brian (Paula) Shaw of Katy, TX, Kevin Shaw of Longview, TX, Jerrad Shaw of East Alton; step-son, Keegan (Laura) Norman of Altamonte Springs, FL; a daughter, Jennifer (Constantino) Ortega of Katy, TX; step-daughter, Kaitlyn Chapman of Godfrey; five grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; brother, Mike Shaw of East Alton; and sister-in-law, Nancy Shaw of East Alton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Rebecca; grandson, Devyn Shaw; granddaughter, River Faith Chapman; and brother, Francis Shaw.

Visitation will be from 11 am until time of service at 12 pm, Friday, January 16 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.

Burial will follow in Woodland Hill Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Feral City 4 Feral Kitties.

01/13/2026

Marion Courtright
- East Alton

Marion Courtright, 86, passed away January 7, 2026, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.

Born March 19, 1939, in Louisville, IL, he was the son of John Marion and Bernice (Headlee) Courtright.

He attended East Alton Wood River Community High School and was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He was a member of Teamsters Local 525 in Alton, IL, and retired with Teamsters Local 916 in Springfield, IL, working many years for ABF Freight.

He was a lifetime member of Wood River Moose Lodge #1349.

Marion was an avid drag racing fan, enjoyed hot rod cars and was a Harley-Davidson enthusiast. He enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinals Baseball and especially enjoyed attending and watching his grandchildren's events. His love for his family was evident to all who knew him.

On July 2, 1960, in Alton, he married Joyce Lee Hendrickson. She survives. Surviving also are two daughters, Lee Ann (Scott) Tweedy, Terri Yerkes all of Wood River; four grandchildren, Lauren (Brad) Read, Brooke Tweedy (Michelle Looker), Cody (Katelin) Yerkes, Dalton Yerkes; four great grandchildren, Grace and Charlie Read, Haiden and Hadley Yerkes; sister, Nancy (Jerry) Haan of Commerce City, CO; brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Marge Hendrickson of East Alton,; sister-in-law, Rose Stengel of Bel Aires, KS; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a special cousin, Karen Huddleston of Harker Heights, TX.

The family would like to thank Liberty Village in Maryville, IL, for all their care and kindness.

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held from 10 am until time of service at 12 pm, Thursday, January 15 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.

Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Memorials are suggested to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

01/10/2026

Daniel Stratman
- O'Fallon, IL

Daniel Mark Stratman, 66, passed away January 9, 2026 at Cedar Ridge Health and Rehab Center in Lebanon, IL.

Born July 26, 1959 in Belleville, he was the son of Roland and Norma (Cobier) Stratman.

Daniel had been a self-employed printer.

Surviving are two sons, Derek Stratman of St. Louis, Dylan Stratman (Ali) of Edwardsville; daughter, Deann (Ben) Leonard of O'Fallon; five grandchildren, Brinley and Brooks Stratman, Evelyn, Cal, and Cole Leonard; and a brother, Roland "Rocky" (Kathy) Stratman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Debbie Gruenewald and Cindy Stratman.

Cremation rites were accorded.

No services have been scheduled at this time.

01/10/2026

Teresa Blanco
-Jerseyville

Teresa Lynn Blanco, 62, passed away January 6, 2026 at her residence.

Born February 23, 1963 in Denver, CO, she was the daughter of Martin and Judy Kay (Crouse) Milfs.

Teresa grew up in Denver, and traveled and lived in various states including in Cuba. She enjoyed being outdoors, gardening and working with plants. She loved her family, especially her grandkids and great grandkids.

Surviving are a son, Caesar (Erin) Blanco of Littleton, CO; two daughters, Desiree (Scott) Ferguson and Fallon Smith all of Godfrey; 10 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; brother, Randy (Lori) Milfs of Bailey, CO; three sisters, Candi (Scott) Randall of Naponee, NE, Kelli (Joe) Carson of Bailey, CO, and Lori (A.J.) Vigil of North Platte, NE; an uncle and aunt, Bill and Carol Crouse; and aunt, Betty Melton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and longtime domestic partner, Sam Shoemaker.

Cremation rites were accorded.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Naponee, NE with interment in Naponee Cemetery.

01/10/2026

Raymond Dvorchak
-Godfrey

Raymond (Ray) A. Dvorchak,73, finally ascended his Stairway to Heaven on January 7, 2026. He died peacefully at home in Alton, IL surrounded by family, after suffering a major stroke more than a year ago.

Born February 28, 1952 in Wood River, IL to Paul & Mafalda (Proia) Dvorchak, both deceased.

Ray was a graduate of St. Bernard's, East-Alton Wood River High School (1970), & SIU-E. He retired from NGA as a cartographer.

He is survived by his wife, Gail (Weaver) Dvorchak, two sons Evan T. Dvorchak of Alton, & Colin J (Heather Gibson) of Wood River, five grandchildren Colin Jr, Zackary, Slater, Brooklynn, & Blaize. Also two stepsons, Reilly Belli and Miles Belli; also two step-grandchildren, Lexi Belli, Alton, & Miles Belli Jr., Ohio. He is also survived by siblings Jane Sterling, Hamburg, NY, Paula Sterling, Wood River, Jim (Julie), Alton, John (Cindi) Dvorchak, Rosewood Heights, in addition to many nieces, nephews, cousins & in-laws.

In addition to his parents, Ray was predeceased by his brothers-in-law Michael & George Sterling; stepdaughter, Shauna Belli 2025 & his past wife, Jill (Samples) Dvorchak 2003.

Everyone loved Ray! His humor, wit, & ability to create fun were second to none. He always knew just what to do in any circumstance. He loved to golf, camp, travel, play softball, & listen to rock music (especially Led Zeppelin), and go to concerts & theater. He enjoyed the night skies, river road sunsets, socializing with Gail and friends, Cardinals games & Blues games. Loved his kids & grandkids immensely. He will be truly missed by all and we are all brokenhearted. So now he is free of all pain & suffering, free of his shell. Free as a bird.

Cremation rites were accorded by Marks Mortuary & burial will be at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Godfrey, IL.

No funeral services are scheduled.

Celebration of Life will be Sunday, Jan 18 at Gentelin's on Broadway from 2-5 pm.

01/09/2026

Dennis Barnard
- Wood River

Dennis Randy Barnard, 80, of Wood River, IL passed away on January 5, 2026 at his home.

Dennis was born on September 1, 1945 in Alton, IL to Veda and James Barnard. They preceded him in death.

He graduated from Wood River High School in 1963. After being drafted to serve the military in Vietnam, he went to SIUE and graduated in 1971.

He worked as a pipe fitter with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 553 until his retirement in 2000. After retirement, he became a substitute teacher at Roxana High School. There he became known as “Mr. B” to students, teachers, and players of the many teams he coached.

He is survived by his daughters who he loved dearly: Amanda (Patrick) Ruff, Alisha (Mike) Ryan and Amber Rives. He was known as “Poopaw” to his grandkids: Kara and Blake (Allena) Martin, Salvatori and Sophia Deucker, Pheobe Booher, Sydnee Scott, Gabby Gleason, Ben Yates, Dalton Ryan, PJ, Jacob and Alexis Ruff. He loved to spend time with his “best buddy” Kai - along with his four other great grandkids: Mason, Riley, Max, and Jack.

He is also survived by his brother, Jim Barnard, nephews, nieces and many kids and grandkids that he adopted over the years.

He was a collector of records, sports cards, and sports memorabilia. He loved music and could often be found dancing to his oldies in the living room. He never knew a stranger and loved to tell stories of days past. He made friends of all ages and couldn’t go anywhere without running into someone he knew. He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched over the years.

A private burial was held at Woodland Hills Cemetery in East Alton.

01/08/2026

Rick Smith
- Jerseyville

Ricky (Rick) Dale Smith, age 73, of Jerseyville, Illinois, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on January 4, 2025.

He was born in Alton, Illinois, and spent most of his life in Jerseyville. For several years, he lived in Alvin, Texas, where he worked as the city's head mechanic.

Rick served in the United States Air Force, working in security. He later worked as a carpenter and was a skilled craftsman who could build, repair, or fix nearly anything. Later in life, one of his favorite jobs was driving a bus for Jersey Community Unit School District 100. He enjoyed joking with the students on his route and greeting them first thing in the morning. Rick had a sharp sense of humor and enjoyed messing with people, often just to get a reaction. He was strong-willed, but he also cared about his people in his own ways. He knew many people and had many friends throughout the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gertrude (Gertie) Leona Bridges Smith and Winfred Aaron Smith; his brother, Terry; and his son, Keith. Keith was a defining part of Rick's life, and his loss stayed with him. Their bond remained important to Rick and shaped him in ways that lasted long after Keith's passing.

He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Young; his son-in-law, Shawn Young; his grandsons, Jagger and Wylder Young; his sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Rick Blackorby; nieces Leigh (Brian Sronce) Blackorby and Shannon (Kris Krueger) Blackorby and their families; his sister-in-law, Marla Smith; nephews Brian (Tera) Smith and Joe Smith and their families; along with many extended family members and cousins.

Just before the end of his life, Rick was supported by his caretakers, Nikki Smith and Shannon Smith. He gave them a hard time and kept them on their toes, but they cared for him and provided him with steady support and compassion. Rick knew many people, lived a long life, and left behind no shortage of stories.

A graveside memorial will be held at noon, Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville, with a Celebration of Life to follow at DJ's Pub & Grill in Jerseyville from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. All are welcome to attend both services and join in remembering ole' Ricky with a beer and a story.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the family to assist with final expenses.

01/04/2026

Carol Clark
- Hartford

Carol H. Clark, 83, passed away Sunday, December 14, 2025 at BJC Evelyn's House in Creve Coeur, MO.

She was born June 30, 1942 in Withee, WI, the daughter of Albert and Hazel (Schlegelmilc) Zank.

A Memorial service will be held at 10:30 am, Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 1st Baptist Church in Hartford. Pastor Tom Plogue will officiate.

01/04/2026

Janice Shewmake
- Bethalto

Janice Shewmake, 87, passed away January 2, 2026 at her home.

Born June 7, 1938 in Vandalia, IL, she was he daughter of Charles Kenneth and Maurine (Weidner) Schutz.

Janice was a real estate agent and broker for Landmark Realty for 35 years before retiring in 2015. She also co-owned Schutz Tomboy in Wood River with her husband for many years.

She married Donald Shewmake on August 25, 1956 in Wood River. He died January 28, 2013.

Surviving are two sons, Donald K. Shewmake of Radom, David A, (Rachel) Shewmake of Benton, IL; daughter, Cindy Fulton of Bethalto; five grandchildren, April, Garrett, Erin, Shawn, and Jennifer; seven great grandchildren; and a sister, Beverly Reid of Bethalto.

A Memorial Celebration will be be held from 12-2 pm, Wednesday, January 7 at the Clubhouse in Parkside Estates in Bethalto.

Memorials are suggested to the Parkside Condo Association.

01/03/2026

Peggy Kohler
- Godfrey

Peggy LaRue Kohler, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Alton Memorial Hospital.

She was born on September 4, 1940, in Wichita Falls, Texas, the daughter of Sylvester "Bud" and K. Luella (Hennis) Johnson.

Peggy worked for many years as a secretary and office manager at Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville, retiring after a dedicated career. She was proud to be known as "Grandma" or "Grandma Peggy" by her honorary grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a title she cherished deeply.

She found great joy in her faith and friendships as an active member of the Bethalto Church of God, singing and traveling with both the choir and Bell Choir. She also cherished her involvement in the Red Hat Society's "Red Rascals" chapter and the Madison County Association for Home and Community Education, where she enjoyed fellowship and community involvement.

Peggy married the love of her life, Billy Dean Kohler, on November 26, 1963 in Wood River, Illinois. They shared a life rooted in family, the farm, and a love of the outdoors, particularly hunting in the woods. Billy preceded her in death on May 2, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Johnny Dean Johnson, on November 5, 1997.

Surviving are her nephew, Darren J. Johnson (Heather Terry), her niece, Deb D Kohler (R. Lee Grantham MD), great nieces and nephews Casey Kohler, Kaila Kohler, Kari Miller, Amber Carrol, Steven Crane, Lacie Ambrose, Katie Boyd, and numerous great great grandnieces and nephews, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, at Marks Mortuary in Wood River. Pastor Jacob Skelton will officiate.

Burial will follow at Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, mother, father, and brother.

12/30/2025

Charles Murray Harbke
- Wood River

Charles Murray Harbke, age 80, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025, at home in Wood River, IL surrounded by family.

He was born on August 24, 1945, in Tacoma, WA, the youngest of two sons to Charles Henry and Iva Pearl (Freeman) Harbke.

Murray grew up in Roxana, working alongside his family at Harbke’s Market in Roxana and made many lifelong friends during his youth. In 1963, he was graduated from Roxana Senior High School and went on to receive his BA degree from SIU Edwardsville on September 1, 1967. He received his State Teacher Certification in May 1968 and began teaching high school history, government and psychology. Murray’s teaching career at Roxana was interrupted when he was drafted into the United States Army in June 1970. He served as a SP4 E-4 in Saigon under Commanding General Willard Scott with the MAC V Special Troops. He earned the National Defense service medal, Vietnam service medal, Army commendation Medal, M14 Expert and M16 Expert weapons medals. He returned home in December 1971 to resume teaching while earning his Master of Science in Education degree in 1974. Murray had a gentle spirit and kind heart which was evident in his relationships with his family, students and co-workers. He retired from Roxana Senior High School in 2011 after a teaching career of 43 years.

Retirement gave Murray more time to spend with his family, being on his boat, the Laissez-Faire, and travel the U.S. and abroad. He especially loved his trips to Alaska fishing for salmon and halibut with Ed. Murray was a member of the Roxana Presbyterian church in his early life. At the time of his death, he was a member of Prince Road Church of Christ. He was immersed into the family of God at the age of 78. Murray spent his life caring for and nurturing his family and those around him. He will be greatly missed.

Murray is survived by his wife, Mary (Campbell) Harbke; daughter, Susan Jarman (Derek); sons, Greg Yost, Kevin Yost (Kayla); son-in-law, Tim Harbison; eight grandchildren, Megan Schaver, Elizabeth (Evy) Yost, Hudson Jarman, Noah Yost, Scarlett Jarman, Jackson Jarman, Logan Yost and Harper Yost; in-laws, Susan Harbke, John and Sharon Campbell, Steve and Donnell Campbell, Lisa and Chris Myers and Phil and Rebecca Campbell along with his many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Ed, his daughter, Julie Harbison, his in-laws, Bob and Vera Campbell and his first wife, Brenda Nichols.

His family would like to give a warm thank you to BJC Hospice who provided excellent care of Murray over the last 4 years, Dr. David Harmon, P.A. Julie, Nurses Michelle, Leona and Kami, CNA and friend Brenda.

A memorial visitation will be at Marks Mortuary in Wood River on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with a service following at 12:00 p.m.

Burial will be at Valhalla Cemetery in Godfrey at a later date.

Memorials can be made to Evelyn’s House in St. Louis, BJC Hospice or Roxana Schools Foundation or plant a tree in his honor.

12/29/2025

Clinton "Clint" Ringering
- Bethalto

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Clinton "Clint" B. Ringering, a loving and loyal son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, who took his rightful place with our Lord Jesus Christ on Friday, Dec. 26 at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He was 92 years old.

Born Dec. 17, 1933, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Alton, Clint was the eldest son of Lucian and Marjorie (Eades) Ringering, both long-time residents of Wood River, IL.

Following two years of study at the University of Illinois, Clint joined the United States Army in 1955, serving two years as a Specialist, Third Class. Upon his honorable discharge, he joined the National Cash Register Company (NCR) as a lead technician, where he enjoyed a thirty-five plus year career. In retirement, so we thought, he accepted a position with the Bank of Edwardsville, spending the next twenty-five plus years ordering and distributing corporate business supplies for their many branches. Joys in his life included listening to music, playing the banjo, fishing, trips to the beaches of Florida, boating, and golfing. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with his siblings.

Clint was preceded in death by his parents, his eldest sister, Ina Kay (Davis), brothers Edward (Carol) and Larry (Jan) Ringering, and nephew, Jake (Allison) Ringering.

Surviving is his daughter Patricia (Jay) Tomerlin, son Michael Ringering, brothers Allan and Jerry (Debbie) Ringering, sisters Sharon (Todd) Reller and Mary Meile, grandson Brian (Mary) Tomerlin and great granddaughter, Ingrid Tomerlin.

A private memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 3 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests consideration for donations to be made to the 5A's Animal Shelter at 4530 N. Alby St., Godfrey, IL 62035.

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