Obituary for Pauline Ehlers Lakeman

SPARTA - Pauline Ehlers Lakeman, 89, of Chester, Illinois, formerly of Sparta, Illinois, passed away suddenly at 4:09 pm, Sunday, November 22, 2015 at Memorial Hospital in Chester, Illinois.

Pauline was born in Wine Hill on May 14, 1926, the daughter of Fritz and Lena Waltemate Bollman. Pauline was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wine Hill and later transferred her membership to Peace Lutheran Church in Steeleville.

She married Arnold Ehlers, Jr. on September 3, 1943 at Wine Hill. Arnold passed away on July 5, 1969. Pauline then married Edgar Lakeman of Sparta on July 11, 1970 at Wine Hill.

He preceded her in death on July 19, 2006.

Pauline is survived by son, Darrel Ehlers of Campbell Hill; daughter, Marla (Jim) Cushman of Chester; son, Randy (Rachelle) Lakeman of St. Charles, MO; and daughter-in-law, Marsha Ehlers of Welge.

Also surviving are grandchildren, Brian "Bubba" Ehlers; Michele (Darl) Prange, Todd Ehlers, Amy (Josh) Brown, Carissa (Eric) Hess, David Lakeman and Ryan Lakeman.

Pauline was called "MawMaw PP" by her great-grandchildren, whom she cherished and loved playing games with.

They loved visiting her and hearing her stories. Those great-grandchildren are, Jessica and Juhle Prange, Amira and Zain Al-Jassim, Connor and Carter Brown, Bryce Ehlers, and Paige and Baby Hess.

Other survivors are sisters-in-law, Wahnetta Lakeman and Della Mae (LeRoy) Rieckenberg, brother-in-law, Dean Ehlers and Edwin Lakeman, nieces, nephews, friends and devoted neighbors who allowed her to live at home as long as she did.

Also preceding her in death are her parents; children, Shelley Sue and Jerry Ehlers; daughter-in-law, Carol Ehlers; grandson, Tyson Ehlers; brothers, Fritz, Herman, Dietrich and Everett Bollman; sister, Edna Bollman; and brother-in-law, Art Lakeman.

Pauline was a member of Peace Lutheran Church of Steeleville, American Legion Auxiliary Post #480 of Steeleville, and Kaskaskia VFW Post #3553 Auxiliary of Chester.

She was a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan and watched most televised games. Pauline had been an avid bowler and pinochle player. At one time, Pauline was on 6 card clubs.

She talked frequently of these friends and time spent with them.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at the Peace Lutheran Church in Steeleville with Rev. S. Blake Duncan officiating.

Burial will follow in St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Wine Hill. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home in Steeleville, where friends may call from 5 pm until 8 p.m. on Tuesday and on Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. then from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church.

The preferred form of remembrance are memorials to St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery Fund of Peace Lutheran Church Memorials Fund.

To sign the guestbook visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net.