Barbara Lela Gegel, nee Trappe, 74, of Belleville, born January 2, 1947, in Belleville, IL, passed away Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.
Barb had the kindest and most generous heart and did not know a stranger. Trained as a teacher, Barb attended Illinois State University and finished her teaching degree at SIU Carbondale. She taught at New Athens, Dupo, and Freeburg high schools, owned Poppers Family Hair Care, and most recently worked for Helping Hands. She was an active member of the Belleville Women’s Club. Barb’s gift was the love she had for her family and so many cherished friends.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Son: Colin Matthew Gegel
- Parents: Dr. Charles H. and Virginia B., nee Zalewski, Trappe
- Nephew: Charlie Black
Surviving are her:
- Husband of 55 years: Brian W. Gegel of Belleville, IL
- Daughter: Nicole “Nikki” Gegel (Eric) Brauer of Normal, IL
- Son: Brian T. (Cynthia Blanco) Gegel of San Antonio, TX
- Grandchildren
- Chloe Brauer
- Gabriella Gegel
- Ian Gegel
- Sisters
- Mary (Jack) Abel of Plainfield, IL
- Charlene (Ted) Trappe-Black of Heyworth, IL
- Nephews
- Jon Abel
- Ben (Rachel) Abel
- Nieces
- Lydia (fiance Paul) Abel
- Ginny Black
- Great nephew: Vin Abel
- Dear friends: Sharon & Frank Vollmer of Belleville, IL
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Visitation: Visitation from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois.
Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Clyde Grogan officiating. Private family interment.
11 Comments To "Barbara Lela Gegel"
#1 Comment By Wanda Jacobs On November 13, 2021 @ 3:55 pm
I met Barb through a mutual friend. This friend thought Barb and I would get along great, and we did. We became great friends, we talked for hours the day we met and never stopped talking. My husband, Art and Barb got along great as well. It is so hard to believe we will never talk or laugh together again. Art and I will miss our homemade birthday cakes from Barb. Barb was so kind and thoughtful. All you had to do was tell her you liked something of hers and it would become yours. And it is true, she did not know a stranger. It is also true that she loved her family with every being of her soul. I will miss her so much. I can already thinks of things I want to ask her. Rest in Peace Dear Friend, you so deserve it.
#2 Comment By Sonny and Lee On November 13, 2021 @ 5:57 pm
We send you lots of love and sorrow in these trying moments in our lives. We enjoyed and created good memories in our short moments together.
#3 Comment By Jasper Johnson On November 13, 2021 @ 6:17 pm
I’m deeply saddened about t he passing of Barbara… she was very sweet lady… I enjoyed talking to her and Colin at my time with helping hands just want to say thank you …God Bless Jasper ?
#4 Comment By Joe Jarzemkoski On November 13, 2021 @ 9:49 pm
Barb was a fun-loving woman with a friendly smile. I enjoyed many great times at her and Brian’s house. My heart goes out to her husband Brian and their surviving children Nikki and Brian. Be dad and cry when you have to but remember the good times you had with her and with Colin.
#5 Comment By Christine Coe On November 14, 2021 @ 10:22 am
I am so sorry for your loss. Blessings and prayers to your family.
#6 Comment By Lori Parks On November 17, 2021 @ 6:10 pm
I Loved her as a teacher…in N.A….She was REALLY good friends with my friend Vonda during some difficult times for Vonda❤
#7 Comment By Jesse Greene On November 19, 2021 @ 7:01 pm
So sorry for your loss Dr. Gegel and family. Prayers during this time.
#8 Comment By Cecelia M Notess On November 22, 2021 @ 10:24 am
Brian and family – our deepest condolences to you. As a little kid in Toledo I always looked up to the the Trappe sisters with admiration. I think my dad fostered that and I am grateful. I’m sorry that I didn’t get to meet up with cousin Barb in recent years. It sounds like she was a wonderful woman, teacher, mother and wife. May God bless you with peace and comfort. You are in my prayers.
#9 Comment By Sharon Vollmer (Frank) On November 24, 2021 @ 6:06 pm
Barb and I have been friends for 40 plus years. She was the Yin to my Yang. We traveled with she and Brian and we shared laughter and tears over the years. We were sisters who never fought – not sisters by birth but sisters by heart strings. We will miss her forever and a huge piece of my heart went with her. Thank you Barb for being my forever friend. All our love goes with you on your journey.
#10 Comment By Ken Schmitt On December 15, 2021 @ 9:27 pm
Brian, this Ken and Manuela Schmitt. Brian we were thinking of you and Barb, as we often do, and tonight We thought about looking you up on the internet and disco covered that Barbara had passed. Brian I deeply regret that we did not contact you sooner and we are so very sorry for your lose. We know that you will need time, but if you would consider having visitors when feel ready, we would love to come and visit with you. Buddy I am very sorry. If you feel up to contacting an old friend some time, please call me at 314-304-9923; this a McCarthy cell phone number. Take care and call me if you will.
#11 Comment By Lea Rea Richey On November 6, 2023 @ 12:41 pm
My condolences to Barbara’s family. She and I were good friends in our teen years as we spent much of our summertime together at the Marissa Recreation Area where her parents owned a cottage. We had overnights together there and at her house in New Athens where we listened to music, talked, and went swimming. My parents moved away from Marissa when I graduated from high school and we lost track of each other. Had I known she was at Illinois State in Normal, I would have been in Bloomington at Illinois Wesleyan University. We could have gotten together some! I regret that we didn’t keep in touch throughout our busy lives. I regret she lost her son, at a young age. I hope to see her in our afterlife. Blessings and my deepest sympathy.