Elsie M. Press

Elsie M. Press, nee Krausz, 90, of Belleville, IL, born Mar. 30, 1924 in St. Libory, IL, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville, IL.

Elsie was a homemaker and member of St. John United Church of Christ in Mascoutah, IL.  She was past president and member of the St. Clair County Homemakers Extension for 47 years; she worked with St. Clair County Mental Health; worked with the Citizens for eye Research; and worked with the Child Advocate Board in St. Louis.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde C. and Rose, nee Wesselmann, Krausz; her husband, Ralph J. Press whom she married in Smithton, IL on Nov. 14, 1942 and who died Jan. 3, 2003; a son, Robert Press, a son-in-law, Roy Emig; a grandson, Richard Emig; and a brother, Donald Krausz.

Surviving are three children, Barbara Emig of New Baden, IL, David (Sue) Press of Belleville, IL, and Mark (Tami) Press of Belleville, IL; seven grandchildren, Robert Emig, Roger (Jen) Emig, Rosemary (Dan) Dodson, Nicole (Craig) Dierking, Elizabeth (Charles) Ellett, Michael (Jamie) Press, and Bradley (Tiffany) Press; seven great-grandchildren, Alex and Megan Emig, Alan (fiancé Cassandra) Emig, Adam Emig, Caroline Dierking, Aubree Press, and Liam Press; a granddaughter-in-law, Wendy Emig; two great great-grandchildren, Michael and Rylee Emig; a brother, Clyde (Celeste) Krausz of Waterloo, IL; two sisters, Joanne Funk of Mascoutah, IL, and Jeanette Surmeier of Belleville, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the staff and volunteers of Hospice of Southern Illinois for their compassion and support.  Thanks also to the Rev. Hugh Fitz from St. John United Church of Christ for his visits which gave hope and comfort to her family.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc. or to St. John United Church of Christ.

Visitation :  visitation will be from 8 to 11 AM Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 at the Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL.

Funeral :  funeral services will be held 11 AM Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 at the Moll Funeral Home with the Rev. Hugh Fitz officiating.  Burial will be in Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.