Area Obituaries

July 14, 1934 – January 27, 2026 John Lewis Manche was born on July 14, 1934, in Medina, Illinois, to Francis M. Manche and Elva Manche (née Green). He passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, at the age of 91. He shared 66 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Joan E. Manche.  Together…

Sharon M. Fournie, nee Rothluebbers, 81, of Mascoutah, IL born Oct 15, 1944, in St. Louis, MO died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, at her home. Sharon was a retired civil service employee from Scott AFB, IL. She was a member of Holy Childhood Catholic Church, Mascoutah, IL, HCCCW, former member of Holy Childhood School Board…

Diane Kay Knipp, 83, of The Villages, FL, born in Mascoutah, IL on July 24, 1942, passed peacefully on January 22, 2026 at Watercrest Buena Vista, The Villages, FL. Diane graduated from Mascoutah High School, was a homemaker and retired from Edward Jones as a Business Office Assistant. She was previously a member of The…

MaryAnn L. Ulrich, 79, of O’Fallon, MO, formerly of Mascoutah, IL born Nov. 19, 1946, in Belleville, IL died Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at Delmar Gardens South, St. Louis, MO. MaryAnn retired from Delmar Gardens.  She was vastly involved with various rescue organizations and charities. She is preceded in death by her parents, Pearle and…

Pauline C. Kraemer, age 91, of Trenton, passed away Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon. She was born May 1, 1934, on a historic farm in O’Fallon Township, a daughter of the late Emil and Mathilde (nee Heyd) Keller. In addition to her parents, Pauline was preceded in death by…

Barbara M. Channer, age 89, of Fairview Heights, IL, born on October 23, 1936, in Washington Park, IL, died on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at St. Paul’s Senior Community Center, Belleville, IL. Barbara was a retired secretary from the City of Fairview Heights with the Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Commission and former Mayor George…

Vincent J. Byrne, 93, of Mascoutah, IL born June 3, 1932, in Shenandoah, PA died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at Memorial Hospital, Shiloh, IL. Vincent retired as a Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force.  He joined the Air Force at the age of 18.  He was a veteran of service for 27 years…

Aloysius E. “Pepso” Mattern, of Mascoutah, IL born June 9, 1941, in Belleville, IL died Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 at St. Elizabeth Hospital, O’Fallon, IL. Pepso was a retired laborer and worked for Kilian Corp. for many years. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, card player and a clock repairman. He was a member of…

Kathleen Ptacek, nee McNamara, 88, of Mascoutah, IL, born Aug. 23, 1937, in Madison, WI died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, at Brightly Senior Living in Mascoutah, IL. Kathleen was a homemaker.  She volunteered for Hospice of Southern Illinois and Lebanon Library.  She was a member of the Looking Glass Theatre, the Air Force Officers Ladies…

Joyce Ann H. Rable, nee Waller, 83, of New Baden, IL born Oct. 29, 1942, in Venedy, IL died Friday, Dec. 26, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, IL. Joyce was a homemaker. She is preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Edna, nee Oeltjen, Waller, husband, James H. “Shorty” Rable who died…