Eileen M. Fohne

October 20, 1930 – December 29, 2024

Eileen M. Fohne (nee Mueller) of Collinsville, IL passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024 at 9:33 p.m. in the care of Aspen Creek Memory Care Residence, Troy, IL, with her loved ones by her side at the remarkable age of 94.

Eileen was born October 20th, 1930, on the family farm in Mascoutah Township, IL, a daughter of the late Ervin and Alice (nee Becker) Mueller. Eileen grew up with a deep love of the land and had a strong work ethic. She spent her life tending to the farm; her garden was her pride and joy. Her passion was crocheting, reading, playing cards, and watching "Wheel of Fortune". Eileen was an excellent cook and baker. She lived simply, nurtured her family, and had a heart of gold. Eileen was a devoted catholic, a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Collinsville, IL and recited the rosary and other prayers daily. She was a member of Holy Childhood Mother's Club, St. Clair County Farm Bureau, and 4-H. Throughout her long fulfilling life, Eileen witnessed many changes, wars, recessions, but her values of hard work, self-reliance, and kindness remained constant. Her smile lit up the room.

Eileen married the love of her life, Clarence G. Fohne, on January 14, 1953 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Trenton, IL, who preceded her in death on May 28, 2009. Together they had 4 children: Michael (Nancy nee Christ) of Mascoutah, IL; Norma Stamm (late Gary) of Mascoutah, IL; Joseph Fohne (died in infancy); and Jo Ann (Danial) Karpel of Collinsville, IL; 6 grandchildren: Lisa Stamm-Brothers (late Adam Brothers) of Belleville, IL, Amy (Benedict) Mosley of Cahokia Heights, IL, Stephen Fohne (stillborn), Michelle (Derek) Sandheinrich of St. Libory, IL, Brandon Karpel and Dana (fiancé Cole Diercks) Karpel of Collinsville, IL; 4 great-grandchildren: Chadwick (C.J.) Delatine Jr., Alexus Brothers, Kaylee Sandheinrich (stillborn), and Grace Sandheinrich. Preceding Eileen in death are her sisters: Evelyn (Wilbur) Bugger and Marilyn (Paul) Falbe and all of her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Merril (Margaret) Fohne, Robert (Stella) Fohne, Mary Ann (Melvin) Seipp, Virginia (Walter) Hettenhausen, Doris (Alfred) Benhoff, and Donald Christ. Surviving is a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Christ, of Lebanon, IL, and nieces and nephews.

Eileen will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Memorials may be made to: St. John's Community Care, Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Collinsville Area Meals on Wheels, or to the choice of the donor.

Visitation: Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 207 Vandalia Street, Collinsville, IL 62234.

Mass of Christian Burial: 11 a.m. at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Michael Haag presiding. Interment following in St. Joseph Cemetery, Lebanon, IL.

The family is being served by HERR Funeral Home 501 West Main Street, Collinsville, Illinois  62234.