Christine Potthast

Christine Potthast, age 89 of Collinsville, IL, died Sunday, June 08, 2014, at Relais Bonne Eau in Edwardsville, IL. She was born February 03, 1925, in Cologne, Germany the daughter of Heinrich and Katharina (nee Derikartz) Bernards. On July 19, 1952, she married Cyril E. "Sib" Potthast who passed away on November 10, 1989. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She was also a member of Ladies Auxiliary to the Highland-Pierron Fire Department; International Women's Club. Born and reared in Cologne, Germany. She received the Citizens Purple Heart during WWII. She came to the states in January of 1952, with no knowledge of English; later naturalized in 1956. She helped her husband operate their dairy farm. She was very influential in their children's education, making sure they all received a college education. She loved to travel: Germany, Europe, US tours, Hawaii and taking cruises. She enjoyed competing and medaled in breast stroke swimming in the Senior Olympics. She was a breast cancer survivor. For some 5 years she worked at Michael's Restaurant as a waitress. Survivors include : Daughter - Margaret S. (special friend-James Pirtle) Poletti, Maryville, IL Son - John W. (Kathleen) Potthast, Everett, WA Son - David H. (Debbie) Potthast, Columbia, MO Daughter - Cheryl S. (Earl) Fink, Floyds Knobs, IN Grandchild - Elizabeth R. (Eric) Wolfmeier, Belleville, IL Grandchild - Phillip R. Poletti, Saint Louis, MO Grandchild - John R. (JoBeth) Fink, Sellersburg, IN Grandchild - Carolyn R. (Brad) Banet, Floyds Knobs, IN Grandchild - Christina L. Fink, Floyds Knobs, IN Grandchild - Megan L. Potthast, Columbia, MO Grandchild - Kimberly A. Potthast, Columbia, MO Great Grandchild - Isabelle R. Wolfmeier, Belleville, IL Great Grandchild - Eli Banet, Floyds Knobs, IN Great Grandchild - Gracie Banet, Floyds Knobs, IN Great Grandchild - Cooper Fink, Sellersburg, IN Special Nephew - Gunter Fries Special Nephew - John Hustava Special Nephew - Bob Hustava Special Niece - Mary Arand She was preceded in death by : Father - Heinrich Bernards Mother - Katharina Bernards (nee Derikartz) Husband - Cyril E. "Sib" Potthast (Died 11/10/1989) Sister - Margaret Hustava Brother - Christian Bernards Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, June 12, 2014, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL, and from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM, on Friday, June 13, 2014, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 13, 2014, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Pierron, IL, with Father Scott A. Snider officiating. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Pierron, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois; Alzheimer's Foundation; or the American Cancer Society.

Christine Potthast

February 3, 1925 - June 8, 2014