Florence Patzwitz

Florence P. Patzwitz, 96, of New Wells, formerly of Belleville, Ill., passed away Saturday, March 24, 2012, at Jackson Manor Nursing Home in Jackson.

She was born Dec. 17, 1915, in North Kansas City, Mo., to Harold G. and Elizabeth J. Wild Young. She and Walter F. Patzwitz were married nearly 25 years when he passed away Oct. 22, 1972.

In her youth, Florence resided in the Litchfield, Ill., area, where she taught Sunday school, played girls basketball and graduated from high school. She earned her teaching degree from Eastern Illinois State Normal School (now Eastern Illinois University) in Charleston, Ill. She then taught in several one-room public schools in rural Illinois.

In the 1970s she became instrumental in establishing an early childhood education program at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Caseyville, Ill. She remained part of the program until she was well into her 70s.

In 2006, Florence moved to New Wells and attended Immanuel Lutheran Church, where her son, Rick is the pastor. In addition to having a heart for Christ, she will be remembered as an avid Cardinal baseball fan.

Loving survivors include two sons, the Rev. Walter "Rick" (Sarah) Patzwitz of New Wells and John Patzwitz of Belleville; a grandson, Isaac Patzwitz and fiancee Marcy Platz of Jackson; a great-grandson, Payne Platz; a brother-in-law, Michael Nalbandian; and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Pat; a brother, Edward (Doris) Young; a sister, Dorothy Nalbandian; and a young brother, Thomas Young.

Friends may call from 5:30 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson and from 10 a.m. to time of service Tuesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells.

The Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Paul Winningham officiating.

A private committal service will be held at Saint Clair Memorial Park Cemetery in Belleville, Ill.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Building Fund or Evangelism Fund.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.