Edith M. Kolkmeyer

Dateline: Godfrey Edith M. Kolkmeyer, 99, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Village. She was born January 24, 1918 in Alton, the youngest of six children of William and Clara (Meyer) Hack. On September 21, 1940, she married Otto J. Kolkmeyer in Alton, and he preceded her in death on July 15, 1992. They had three children, a daughter, Jean M. Rathgeb of Godfrey, two sons, Robert O. (Willa) Kolkmeyer of Carbondale, IL, and William E. (Maureen) Kolkmeyer of Godfrey, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Along with her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Richard M. Rathgeb, two brothers, John and Lester Hack, and three sisters, Eunice Hack, Clara Brown and Violet Schmidt. Edie was always active in her church which was 12th Street Presbyterian in Alton. At its closing she had been a member for 78 years always singing in the choir and taking on many other roles over that period. She then joined the Evangelical United Church of Christ in Godfrey, but when she moved to the Methodist Village she enjoyed worshiping there every Sunday morning. A stay-at-home mother, she decided at the age of 49 to go to work and became a Title 1 Secretary with the Alton School District where she remained for 17 years until her retirement. Her passion for reading meant checking out at least five books a week, and she was an avid bridge player with friends. Travel was also a pleasure and she took responsibility for being the chief navigator. Occasionally there would be stories of growing up in Alton including attending school with Robert Wadlow, and taking the census by hand going house to house. Edie loved life. She always had a positive attitude and a winning smile. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Reverend Jerry MeCaskey will officiate. A private burial will be held at Alton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Evangelical United Church of Christ or the Main Street Methodist Church. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

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Edith M. Kolkmeyer

January 24, 1918 - January 29, 2017