Obituaries

COAL CITY—John Samuel Kloski, better known as Jay, of Coal City, died unexpectedly on Sept. 13, 2021 leaving his family and friends heartbroken, but having made the world a better place.
Jay was born on May 1, 1957 to John and Chickie Kloski in the shadow of Comiskey Park. Needless to say, Jay was a lifelong White Sox fan. Brought up in Bridgeport, he often spoke of the Pennie Man, sitting outside on the front stoop with his family and watching the fireworks from the baseball park.

JOPLIN, MO—Alpha Fern Jensen, 95, of Joplin, MO, passed away on Sept. 18, 2021 after living an exceedingly full life. She was born in Monett, MO on Aug. 21, 1926 to J.J. and Alice (Stockton) Lauderdale. She was a lifetime resident of the Joplin area. Alpha married the love of her life, Harry Henry Jensen on Sept. 25, 1943 and shared over 25 wonderful years with him before he passed away. They created a life together they were proud of, along with raising their son, Harry James Jensen and daughter, Wanda Derrickson. Alpha was a family woman and a woman of God.

ELWOOD—Ellen Medlin, 90, of Elwood, formerly of Sikeston, MO, passed away Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021 at Salem Village Nursing and Rehabilitation in Joliet.
Born Aug. 14, 1931 in Charleston, MO, Ellen was a daughter of George and Lucille (nee Hanley) Monan. She was raised and educated in Mound City, IL and graduated from Mound City High School. On Aug. 7, 1948, Ellen married Jesse B. “Buck” Medlin. They lived in Mounds, IL and later moved to Joliet, where Ellen owned and operated the Pink Petal Salon for over 25 years.

COAL CITY—Esther Wills, 87, of Coal City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021 at her home.
Born Jan. 22, 1934 in Coal City, Esther Marie was the daughter of Peter and Mary Marie (Togliatto) Giacomo. She was raised in Coal City and graduated from Coal City High School with the class of 1952. On June 4, 1954, Esther married Donald Eugene Wills in Morris, and together they made a home and raised a family together.