Verna E. Horstman

Verna E. Horstman, nee Nichols, 90, of Belleville, IL, born Sunday, March 21, 1920, in E. St. Louis, IL, died Sunday, October 17, 2010 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville.

Mrs. Horstman worked as a Juvenile Officer for the Belleville Police Department and the City of Belleville. She was a member of St. George Episcopal Church, Secretary for District #189 in East St. Louis, IL, Fraud Investigator for William C. Scott, volunteer for Memorial Hospital. She was an avid Republican and a member of the Republican Women's Club.

She was preceded in death by her:

  • Husband: William P. Horstman
  • Parents: Jesse C. and Mary P., nee Mayer, Nichols
  • Brothers, Bill Nichols, Jesse "Jit" Nichols and Raymond Nichols
  • First Husband: Eugene P. Clayton.

Surviving are her:

  • Children
    • Thomas Clayton of Collinsville, IL
    • Jana Riggins of Belleville, IL
    • Michael Horstman of Veradol, WA
    • James (Sue) Horstman of Colton, WA
    • Patrick (Denie) Horstman of Collinsville, IL
  • 7 Grandchildren
  • 5 Great Grandchildren
  • Nieces
    • Nancy Cox of Florissant, MO
    • Sally Reiss of Breese, IL
  • Sister-in-Law: Betty Horstman of Belleville, IL

Life is not a journey to the grave
 with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well preserved body.
But rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up,
totally worn out and proclaiming,
"Wow, what a ride!"

Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. George Episcopal Church.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4-8 pm, Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at the Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, October 21, 2010 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Father Dale Coleman officiating. Interment will follow at St. John's Cemetery, Collinsville, IL.

Condolences left for Verna E. Horstman:

    Verna was one of the finest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I'm so sorry for you loss and please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that your faith in God will see you through this trying time, and please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Teri Davis Newman Highland Illinois 62249

    Verna was a wonderful woman and a devout Republican. I will miss her sense of humor and sarcastic wit. The Letters to the Editor section of the paper won't be the same without her. May God be with you Verna.

    Nick Miller Lebanon IL 62254

    Verna was one of the most feverishly outspoken, vibrant, and caring women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She will be missed. God Bless.

    Laura Koelling Lebanon IL 62254

    Verna was a wonderful lady and a great friend of all the people she knew. I will miss her smiles and friendship when we met ar various functions. She will be mised by all who knew her. My prayers are with the family she leaves behind. May they always keep her memories to console them on their great loss. My family and I send our deepest consolences!

    Fernando Calvarese Swansea IL 62226