Pauline A. Billhartz

Pauline A. Billhartz, nee Huelsman of Highland, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on January 31, 2025, at the age of 84.

Pauline was born April 11, 1940, in Breese, to August T. and Alice E., nee Schlarmann, Huelsman. She married Vincent J. Klostermann on April 7, 1959, and he preceded her in death on March 20, 2018. She married Vernon H. Billhartz on August 31, 1996, at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden, IL. He preceded her in death on August 16, 2009.

Pauline shared her many talents and gifts of life, teaching her children to read, cook, sew, garden, can, paint, and take care of pets. She especially shared her love of playing cards with her sisters, family, and friends. She enjoyed planting and growing her flower and vegetable gardens and canning her special salsa and beets. Her greatest passion was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, attending and supporting their various sport, band, dance, and other activities. Pauline especially loved her precious kitty, Spencer, who was spoiled and pampered every day. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Her family is comforted by her faith and knowing that she is with the Lord and all the family and friends who have gone before her.

Pauline grew up in Breese, Illinois, and moved to St. Rose, Illinois, where she immersed herself in farming and raising a family. She enjoyed working in local businesses prior to becoming an administrative assistant to high-ranking officers at Scott Air Force Base. Her professional career of 23 years with the United States Air Force earned her a prestigious Civilian of the Quarter award. Throughout her life, Pauline shared her passion for helping others, volunteering her time with her children's school functions, hospice, and HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital Auxiliary. She was member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland. 

She is survived by her chidlren: Daniel (Catherine) Klostermann of Highland, IL, Joyce (Alan) Lande of Woodstock, IL, Yvonne (Phil) Hallemann of Pocahontas, IL, Brenda (Dan Segrist) Klostermann of Pocahontas, IL, Jacqueline (James) Green of Jefferson City, MO.; Grandchildren; Mallory Klostermann, Adam Klostermann, Jonathan (Kathryn) Lande, Erica Lande, Jace (Amber) Hallemann, Alicia (Dustin) Ludy, Amber Jo Hallemann (fiancé – Josh Bell), Samantha (Seth) Hanabarger, Shana (Glen) Lewis of Ozark, MO, Jacob Garza of Fort Worth, TX, Telisha (Beau) Baillio of Lumberton, TX,; great-grandchildren: August and Maximillian, Zeke and Harrison, Gavin; Vernon Billhartz's children, Cindy (Vehe) Georgian of Kansas City, Diane (Mike) Woolsey of Glen Carbon, and their children Braden and Brett Woosley; her beautiful sisters Evelyn Pakosta and Connie Street; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, a brother; Herb Huelsman; three sisters, Genny Endres, Dorothy Hasenstab, Edna Niebur; beloved sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and Vernon's daughter, Pam.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, Feb 7, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Highland, with Fr. Pat Jakel officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 until 11:00 AM at St. Paul Church, Highland, with a luncheon following the mass at Highland Hope UMC, Highland, IL. Private interment at St. Rose Cemetery with Fr. Schaefer

Memorials may be made to Mater Dei High School or the Charity of their choice and will be received at the church or Nordike Funeral Home, 15 East Hanover Street, New Baden, IL 62265. 

Online condolences may be sent to the family at Nordike Funeral Home, who is in charge of the arrangements.