Batchtown News – November 14, 2024

By Editor | November 13, 2024 |

By Marcy Klockenkemper
618-396-2468

Veteran’s Day was celebrated Monday, Nov. 11, by Veterans and those who supported them in many Wars, and the years without wars. The military is here to defend us in war and peace.
The St. Vincent DePaul Society had their Appreciation Supper for volunteers, and board members at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Monday, Nov. 4. Brad Vacca, President, announced that the organization has acquired a larger cooler to keep foods fresh and available to our families.
Robin Hillen Pantry Manager praised all the volunteers in the St. Vincent DePaul Society, in the general operations of the food and clothing pantry.
Kim Vogel prepared a delicious meal for all who are working together and helping their neighbors in need in Calhoun County.
Dave and Rachel Bick drove to Denver for the weekend. They attended the funeral of a friend’s mother. While there they visited Laura Frank.
Congratulations to the Calhoun Warrior Volleyball Team and their success in the Tournaments, and championship.
Congratulations to the Calhoun Warrior Football Team on their win on Sat. Nov. 9th. Go team go!
Kenny and Bette Eilerman drove to Linn, Mo. To visit their daughter, Lisa and her husband Bryant Lumpkin, and their grandchildren, Connor, Madison, and Carter. They were there from Sunday to Saturday and stayed in their new home. They saw the Fall colors of the countryside, the community of Linn, and their schools. They cared for their grandchildren while their parents were at work. They enjoyed their stay.
The St. Anselm’s Game Night was Saturday, Nov. 9, at the church hall. The turkey bingo had an excellent crowd. Some of the folks attending the bingo were: Bonnie Stepanek, Cindy Mezarus, and Angie and Sadie Russell. All enjoyed the refreshments of chicken salad sandwich, chicken and dumplings and hot dogs. See you again next year!
The Calhoun Entertainment Christmas Program is Sunday Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. at St. Anselm’s Hall in Kampsville. The program is directed by Jerry Sievers. This year there will be five parts to the program. The Guitar Class, the Children’s Choir, a Jr. High School Band, a High School Band, and the CEC Choir. Followed by refreshments at the end of the performance. We hope to see you at the Christmas Program.
A Veteran’s Dinner was held at St. Matthews Lutheran Church Hall Saturday, Nov. 9. It was sponsored by the Brussels Girl Scouts, and the Brussels High School National Honor Society.
The leaders of the Girls Scouts are Amanda Brodbeck, Debbie Kamp, and Diane Tepen. The Veterans enjoyed their delicious meal, and the warm hospitality of the students, and girl scouts.
Birthday greetings to Tony Siemer, and Bernard Mager. Happy Birthday to Owen Mager who celebrated his birthday Nov. 9. have a wonderful year.
Kermit Wayne Bell age 96 passed away Nov. 1, 2024. He was a vibrant member of the Batchtown community and was well known by all in Calhoun County. He was born and raised here. We are telling his story again this week to reflect and to recall his accomplishments during his life.
Kermit was born March 20, 1928 in Batchtown. He was the son of Elbie and Minnie Bell. He was the youngest of five brothers and he graduated from Hardin High School and enlisted in the Army, in June of 1948 he was accepted as a cadet in the U.S. Military (USMA) at West Point after spending seven months at the prep school at Stewart Field. He earned his appointment given to Regular Army enlisted men on a competitive basis as opposed to congressional appointment. He was the first and only Calhoun native to graduate from West Point. Kermit married Marianne Burgin in 1952 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel at West Point. They traveled and lived in Japan, and Germany.
He was a three-war veteran, WW II, Korea, and Vietnam. He retired in Nov. 1970 as a highly decorated Lieutenant Colonel. At age 42, Kermit went back to school to become a Doctor of Optometry. He moved back to live on the family farm in Batchtown and lived in the house he was born in. He grew to have offices in Hardin, Jerseyville, and Carrollton.
Kermit was community minded. He helped provide a swimming pool, tennis courts, Bell’s Gym, and Medical Center,
three emergency helipads, AFDs, and many other community projects large or small to Calhoun County. Kermit helped people individually in many ways
He is preceded in death by his son Jim (Debbie). He is survived by his son, Jeff (Tina) and grandchildren, Katherine Bell Carr eon (Domingo), Patrick Bell, Braedon Bell and Christian, and his great grandchildren, Charlotte, Domingo, and Ethan Carreon.
Visitation was Sunday, Nov 10, 2024 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Gress, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin, IL. The funeral mass was Monday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. at St. Barbara’s Catholic Church in Batchtown, Il.
Graveside service followed, with lunch at the Fill Inn Station afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Bell’s Gym. Online condolences can be given at www.kallaland-schaaf.com.
Calhoun Unit #40 will have a Food Drive for St. Vincent DePaul Society from Monday, Nov. 11, thru Friday, Nov. 15.
The St. Vincent DePaul Food and Clothing Store is open every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed on the fifth Wed. of any month with five Wednesdays.
The St. Vincent DePaul Society Helps with Rent, Utilities, Mortgage, GED, and Help with Other Agencies.
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The Lord Knows You
Remember the Lord knows you
Better than you know yourself
So, with this reassurance,
You should always seek His help.
Whenever you have troubles,
And nothing makes any sense,
And everyone is against you –
God will come to your defense.
For after all, He made you,
Yes, your mind, body, and soul.
And no one knows you better,
Or, shall ever love you so.
– Steven Michael
Schumacher