Marks Mortuary

Marks Mortuary Marks Mortuary is a family owned funeral service that was established in 1901. We are a full service

06/11/2026

Phyllis Bradfisch
- Bethalto

Phyllis Marie Bradfisch, 95, passed away peacefully, May 30, 2026 at The Villas of Hollybrook in Bethalto.

Born October 9, 1930 in Rockbridge, IL, she was the daughter of James Edwin and Iva (Plato) Loy.

On November 25, 1955 in Grafton, she married Donald Eugene Bradfisch. He died January 1, 2015.

Surviving are two sons, Greg (Lori) Bradfisch of Carmel, IN, Scott (Cynthia) Bradfisch of Torrance, CA; and three grandchildren, Jennifer Bradfisch, Gabriella Bradfisch, and Samuel Bradfisch.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and four sisters, Doris Cunningham, Theda Jones, Edith Zimmerman, and Mary Miller.

Private services and burial were held in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Bob Ruyle- East AltonRobert "Bob" Milford Ruyle, 82, passed away June 9, 2026 at his home.Born January 11, 1944 in Alton...
06/10/2026

Bob Ruyle
- East Alton

Robert "Bob" Milford Ruyle, 82, passed away June 9, 2026 at his home.

Born January 11, 1944 in Alton, he was the son of Milford and Stella (Shanks) Ruyle.

He had been employed as an adjuster for Olin Corporation for 40 years before retiring. Bob had a passion for animals, especially his dog, "Butch".

He married Margaret Ann Hull on July 10, 1982. She preceded in death in 2021.

Surviving are a son, Michael Austin of Wood River; two daughters, Kimberly Laux of Wood River, Loretta Sims of East Alton; 10 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; a sister, Rose (Phil) McDaniels of Carlyle; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Wilma Ruyle; sister and brother-in-law, Jenny and Bob St. Peters; and nephew, Phil McDaniels.

Cremation rites were accorded.

No services have been scheduled at this time.

Memorials are suggested to Alton 5 A's Animal Shelter.

Michael Doles- Wood RiverMichael Doles, 79, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 3:49 p...
06/09/2026

Michael Doles
- Wood River

Michael Doles, 79, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 3:49 p.m. at Alton Memorial Hospital.

Michael was born on November 18, 1946 in Alton, IL to Noble and Mary Doles. He graduated from East Alton-Wood River High School and later joined the United States military, serving in Vietnam from 1966-1968.

Michael was a man of strong faith. He was known for his love of the outdoors and enjoyed deer and turkey hunting. He was also an avid gardener who took great pride in tending both vegetable gardens and flowerbeds. Above all else, Michael was a devoted father, loving companion, a remarkable and hardworking man, a cherished friend, and someone who freely shared his vast knowledge with anyone willing to listen and learn. His sharp wit, sense of humor, and wealth of wisdom will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving daughter and hunting buddy, Melissa Doles of Wood River; his loving companion of 34 years, Linda House; his brother, Patrick (Paula) Doles; and his sister-in-law, Paula Fraley. He also leaves behind his nieces, Michelle Doles and Cheryl(Russ) Main; his nephews, John (Ruby)Doles, Paul(Karen)House; his great nieces, Khloe, Baylee, and Ciria Doles, Madison (Issac) Snyder, Saundra Mosby, and Lisa (Joshua) Mosby; and his great nephews, Trenton Doles, John Doles, Jr., Christopher Stanley, and PJ House. He is also survived by extended family members, Ron Sr, Ron Jr, Scott, Ron III Dwyer, along with many friends who will forever hold his memory close.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 14 from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at 4:00 p.m. at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.

Burial with military honors will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June17 in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hilltop Assembly of God Church.

June Niehaus- Rosewood HeightsD. June Niehaus, 93, traveled into the open arms of Jesus on June 4, 2026.She was born in ...
06/07/2026

June Niehaus
- Rosewood Heights

D. June Niehaus, 93, traveled into the open arms of Jesus on June 4, 2026.

She was born in Jerseyville, IL, on February 9, 1933, to Howard F.
and Louise (Krause) Busch.

She was a graduate of Jerseyville High School in 1951.

On March 22, 1952, she met the love of her life, and on July 26, 1953, she and John J. Niehaus were united in marriage and lived the majority of their married life in Rosewood Heights. To that union, three children were born and all are left to mourn her: son, John H. Niehaus of Mt. Olive, IL; daughters, Janay Niehaus (Mike Galbreath) of Rosewood Heights and Chicago, IL, and Janelle (Joe) Cibula of Mason, OH; six grandchildren, Andrea (Rodney) Stewart of Houston, TX, Ashley (Evan) Sikorski of Houston, TX, Alyssa Niehaus (Jamie Davis) of Litchfield, IL, Amber Niehaus of Mount Olive, IL, Tyler Cibula of Chicago, IL and Tanner Cibula (fiancé-Annie Backs) of Loveland, OH; six great grandchildren, Damon Stewart and Conner Stewart of Houston, TX, Kinley, Keegan, Kade and KJ Sikorski of Houston, TX; sister and brother-in-law, Dorene and Johnnie Sullivant of Bethalto, IL; nieces and nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister, JoAnn Schaff.

She took immense pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cherishing each of their accomplishments and the time they shared together. Family was the center of her life. She also found great joy in reading, camping trips, and traveling with loved ones throughout the United States, Canada, Alaska, and Nova Scotia. Among her favorite adventures were cruises to the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, and Nova Scotia.

She worked for many years as a bookkeeper and especially enjoyed working for her son‘s jewelry stores. A dedicated volunteer, she generously gave her time to numerous organizations throughout her life. She was a proud member of the Rosewood Heights Fire Department Auxiliary for nearly 50 years and was also active in the Bethalto and Wood River senior citizen groups.

For 69 years, she was a faithful member of St. John United Church of Christ in Wood River, where she devoted countless hours and service to her church family. She served on the consistory, as church treasurer, singing in the choir, and lovingly helped prepare funeral dinners, always willing to lend a hand whenever needed.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 12, with funeral services at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026, both at St. John United Church of Christ, 228 N. 6th St., Wood River, IL. Rev. John Pawloski will officiate.

Burial will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. John United Church of Christ in Wood River or Rosewood Heights Fire Department.

06/01/2026

Mary Pellegrino
- Bethalto

Mary E. Pellegrino, 105, passed away peacefully, May 26, 2026 at Cedarhurst of Bethalto.

Born October 21, 1920 in Wood River, she was the daughter of Lorenzo and Mary (Concialdi) Costanzo.

On April 19, 1942 in Wood River, she married Sam P. Pellegrino. He died November 17, 2011.

Surviving are a son, Dan Pellegrino of Houston, TX; daughter, Sharon (Richard) Lennington of Rosewood Heights; seven grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Vincent Pellegrino; two brothers, Phillip and Joseph Costanzo; and sister, Josephine DePasquale.

Private service was held with burial in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Betty Kirby- BrightoinBetty Ann Kirby, 76, passed away May 31, 2026 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.Born December 17,...
06/01/2026

Betty Kirby
- Brightoin

Betty Ann Kirby, 76, passed away May 31, 2026 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.

Born December 17, 1949 in Campbell, MO, she was the daughter of Floyd Bryan and Ruth M. (Maples) Helton.

On November 1, 1980 in Grafton, she married Jerold Wayne Kirby. He died May 22, 2016. She married Ronald Hampton on March 29, 2018 in Belleville. He survives.

Surviving also are a son, Eric (Joy) Latham of Brighton; daughter, Kimberly (Allan) Zwick of Maryville; step-daughter, Erica (Chad) Noski of Belleville; four grandchildren, Aaron (Megan), Taylor, Jordyn, and Kane; and three great grandchildren, Gunner, Hadley, and Wayne.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband; and three brothers, Floyd Helton, Jr., John Helton, and Dorris Helton.

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm, Thursday, June 4 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River where funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 am, Friday. Frank Akers will officiate.

Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Billy Russell- East AltonWilliam "Billy" Lawrence Russell, 32, passed away May 21, 2026 at SSM St. Louis University Hosp...
05/26/2026

Billy Russell
- East Alton

William "Billy" Lawrence Russell, 32, passed away May 21, 2026 at SSM St. Louis University Hospital.

Born March 20, 1994 in Wood River, he was the son of Jacqueline "Jackie" (Bull) Rushing of East Alton and William Lawrence Russell of Edwardsville.

In addition to his parents, Billy is survived by a daughter, Destiny Russell of Wood River; a sister, Erica (Patrick) Connell of Foley, AL; two nieces; a nephew; and cousins.

Graveside service and burial will be held 1 pm, Friday, May 29 in Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana. Kyle Carter will officiate.

Richard Wiegand- Foster Twp.Richard Alan Wiegand, 84, passed away May 25, 2026 at his residence.Born July 3, 1941 in Alt...
05/26/2026

Richard Wiegand
- Foster Twp.

Richard Alan Wiegand, 84, passed away May 25, 2026 at his residence.

Born July 3, 1941 in Alton, he was the son of Willard and Clara (Hendricks) Wiegand.

He had been employed in the rental department for Roberts Ford in Alton. He and his wife raised Shar-pei puppies.

On March 2, 1963 he married Helen Marie Poeling. She preceded in death. He then married Noel "Bunny" (Manns) Franz on March 27, 2009 in Grafton. She survives.

Surviving also are a daughter, Laura Wiegand of Bethalto; and step-son, Richard Franz of Edwardsville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; and a sister, Jean Wiegand.

Cremation rites were accorded.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis, Alton 5 A's Animal Shelter and Barn Yard Animal Rescue.

Thelma Kochan- Wood RiverIt is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thelma Kochan, a cherished wife, mother...
05/22/2026

Thelma Kochan
- Wood River

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thelma Kochan, a cherished wife, mother, Gran, sister, and friend. Thelma departed this world peacefully on May 21, 2026, at Anderson Hospital, surrounded by her immediate family and close friends, a testament to the love she cultivated throughout her life.
Born June 6, 1952, in Illinois, Thelma was the beloved daughter of Cecil McKey and Dorothy (Hiett) McKey.

She is survived by her husband of over four decades, Steve Kochan, with whom she shared a blessed union since December 29, 1984. Thelma's legacy lives on through her daughter, Amy Mortland Cadagin (Tim), her stepsons, Tom Kochan (Erin) and Jeff Kochan (Alison), and her treasured granddaughters: Mackenzie Cadagin, Shannon Cadagin, Molly Cadagin, Emily Rudicel, Kailey Kochan, Averie Kochan, and Aly Kochan.

She was preceded in death by her adoring parents and her brothers, Cecil McKey and Dorothy (Hiett) McKey, Harold Clark and Merle McKey, whom she now joins in eternal rest.

Also surviving are her brother Jimmy McKey, Sister-in-Law Barbara Swanson (Robert) along with countless beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews, who will forever hold her memory dear. Among her closest friends was Donna Billins (Bob) of Florida, a lifelong confidante and companion.

Thelma's life was marked by service and dedication. A proud graduate of Civic Memorial High School, class of 1970, she went on to serve the community for 35 years at the Wood River Township Assessor's office, where she held the position of Assessor for 12 years. Her commitment to her community extended beyond her professional life, as she was an active member of both the Wood River Women of the Moose and the Alton-Wood River Sportsman's Club.

Thelma's warmth and generosity touched everyone she met. Known for her infectious smile and her desire to be a "Gran" to all, she built mutual love and care wherever she went. She found immense joy in spending time with her daughter and granddaughters, often indulging in her favorite pastimes of shopping and her second love of casinos, which she endearingly called the "ching ching."

Though she has departed from this world, her legacy of kindness, care, and community will continue to inspire and uplift us all.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 26 from 4-8 pm at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10 am on May 27 at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Bethalto with Father John Wykes, OMV as celebrant.

Memorials are suggested to Our Lady queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto and Alton 5 A's Animal Shelter.

05/19/2026

Wendy Hager
- Wood River, IL

Wendy Jill Hager, 60, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Alton Memorial Hospital.

Born December 14, 1965 in Las Vegas, Nevada, she was the daughter of Walter ''Jim'' James Hager of Peru, IN. and the late, Carol Elaine (Demel) Hager.

She was employed by Walmart.

Surviving in addition to her father is a son, Liam Volk of Wood River.

She was preceded in death by her mother.

No services have been scheduled at this time.

Cremation rites have been accorded by Marks Mortuary of Wood River, Illinois.

Address

633 E. Lorena Avenue
Wood River, IL
62095

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