We have received word of the passing of classmate Marian Gronau Coffell of St. Peters, Missouri. Her full obituary is now available on our “Deceased” page..
Our sincere condolences and sympathy go out to all of Marian’s family and friends in this time of loss.

We have received word of the passing of another classmate, Daisy (Green) Heffner of Granite City. No further information is available at this time.

We have learned of the passing of classmate Charles Edward Walker. Charles passed away on April 10th, 2024, leaving behind his wife Sharon, brother Bill, and children Ed, Craig, and Cheryl. Our sincere condolences and sympathy are extended to all of Charles’ family and friends in this time of loss. Charles’ full obituary can be seen on our deceased page.

Joseph John “Joe” Krypciak, Jr., 76, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Christian Hospital in Florissant, Missouri. He was born December 1, 1947, in East St. Louis, Illinois to the late Joseph John and Mary (Yurkiv) Krypciak, Sr.

A true patriot, Joe served his country with valor and distinction in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. For his bravery and sacrifices, he was honored with the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, testaments to his courage and dedication to his nation. His commitment to service continued long after his military days, as evidenced by his active involvement with the VFW Post 1300 and American Legion Post 113 in Granite City. Joe’s passion for life was paralleled by his love for the outdoors, often found relishing in the tranquility of fishing. A devoted sports enthusiast, he ardently supported the St. Louis Cardinals and held a deep affection for the Rams during their tenure in St. Louis. Joe was a man of few words but profound impact, maintaining a close-knit circle of friends and family. To be part of this circle was to experience a bond of immeasurable worth. His departure leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Joe’s legacy of honor, loyalty, and gentle spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of his loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph J. and Mary (Yurkiv) Krypciak, Sr. and his brother, Richard Krypciak.

Surviving to cherish his memory are his significant other, Barbara Gac, of Granite City, Illinois, his fellow members of the VFW and American Legion, extended family and friends.

Memorials are appreciated to the Veterans Organization of your choice or to the No-Kill Animal Shelter of your choice. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.irwinchapel.com.

Per Joe’s wishes, cremation services are to be held. Inurnment and graveside service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 12, 2024, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri.

We have received word of the passing of classmate Paul Kraegenbrink. Paul passed away on Saturday, February 10th. Paul faced many challenges in his life, but always maintained a positive attitude and an infectious smile through it all. He leaves behind his wife Charlotte, son Kurt, daughter Amy, and many other family and friends who mourn his passing. Our sincere sympathy and condolences go out to Charlotte and all who loved and will miss him.

From Legacy.com –

Paul L. Kraegenbrink, 76, of Glen Carbon, IL, passed away on February 10, 2024 in Maryville, IL. He was born on August 27, 1947. Paul attended Collinsville High School. In honor of his memory, donations can be made to Washington University School of Medicine, Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Collinsville, IL, or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Collinsville, IL.

We have received word of the passing of classmate Jerry Christopher. We understand that Jerry passed away at home in his sleep Friday night, June  30th. It is our understanding that services will be held for Jerry at Lakeview Gardens Funeral Home in Fairview Heights Illinois. Jerry’s full obituary is now posted in our “Deceased” page.

Our sincere sympathy and condolences go out to Jerry’s wife Georgia and all of his family and friends at this sad time.

Frederick A. Poddig, age 76 of Glen Carbon, IL, born June 4, 1947 in East St. Louis, IL, peacefully passed away on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Memorial Care Center in Belleville, IL.

Frederick was a retired gas line inspector for the former Laclede Gas Company. He was a Vietnam Army Veteran, an avid WW II reenactor, and a member of the WW II Historical Society. He was a lifetime member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick C. and Lillian M. (nee Lotz) Poddig; and a daughter, Julie Anne Charlton.

Surviving are his wife, Christine (nee Foehrkolb) Poddig, whom he married August 18, 1984; three sons: Fred (Shaun) Poddig of Edwardsville, IL, Jeffrey Kennedy of Glen Carbon, IL, and Patrick (Jamie) Kennedy of Lebanon, OH; a son-in-law, Brian Charlton of Glen Carbon, IL; six grandchildren: Frederick A. Poddig, Christian M. Poddig, Casandra M. Poddig, Sean Charlton, William Kennedy, and Madeleine Kennedy; five step granddaughters and families: Amy, Kim, Angel, Jessie and Holly; and a sister, Mary Ruth (Joe) Ball of Green Valley, AZ.

Visitation will be 9 – 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 304 South Street, Collinsville, IL.

A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Kyle Wright officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery, Collinsville.

Memorials are suggested to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church Endowment Fund and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.