Lodes, Gertrude

Gertrude S. “Gert” Lodes, 75, of New Baden, died Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at her home. She was born October 18, 1934 in Blackjack, IL daughter of George and Edna (Loyet) Fohne. She married LaVerne W. “Hon” Lodes on April 28, 1954 in Blackjack and he preceded her in death on January 29, 1999. Mrs. Lodes is survived by her children, Steve (Barb) Lodes of Trenton, Sandy (Jim) Wagoner of Trenton, Sharon (Jerry) Schulte of New Baden and Sheila (Jeff) Becherer of Trenton; eight grandchildren, Mandy Wagoner, Emily (fiance, Mike Kuchenreuther) Wagoner, Karen (Corey) Toennies, Crystal (Corey) Winkeler, Matt (fiancee, Jenny Wellen) Schulte, Dana Schulte, Brad Becherer and Ryan Becherer; two great-grandchildren, Madyson Schulte and Bryce Toennies; two sisters, Georgia (Al) Hogg of Breese and Anna Mae (Bill) Roberts of Argenta; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Cornelius Fohne of Godfrey, David Oberneufermann of Troy, Rita Fohne of Lebanon, Alice Maxfield, Ralph & Ruth Lodes, Mary Billhartz, and Judy & Mike “Chick” Etheridge all of New Baden, Bernice Lodes of Mascoutah, Arnold & Anita Lodes of Hershey, PA, and “Becky” & Don Schafer of Belleville. She is also survived by nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. In addition to her husband and her parents she was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters, Eldon Fohne, Mildred Oberneufermann, Helena Fohne, in infancy, Lucy Ruetherford, Ervin Fohne, and Cletus Fohne; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, John Ruetherford, Sue Fohne, Cal Maxfield, George “Blackie” Lodes, Jr., and Clarence Billhartz; and her father-in-law & mother-in-law, George & Emma Lodes. She was a member of St. George Parish in New Baden. Mrs. Lodes enjoyed her family, playing bingo and her card club buddies. Funeral mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 22, 2010 at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with Rev. Eugene Neff and Deacon Dale Maxfield officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday, March 21, 2010 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Monday, March 22, 2010 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. George Parish, Hospice of Southern Illinois or to Clinton County Relay For Life and will be received at the funeral home.