By Jim Meridith
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    • Service

      All services are private

    • Full Obituary

      Elvina Annie Francis Gantner (nee Sudholt), 93, of Highland, IL, passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021, at St. Joseph Hospital in Highland, IL.

      She was born on January 30, 1928, in Aviston, IL, to Anton “Tony” Sudholt and Dora Alberternst. On August 16, 1955, Elvina married John L. Gantner in Damiansville, IL.

      Elvina attended St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School. At age 17, she went to work at Huber Slipper Company in Aviston, IL, where she stayed for 7 years. After the slipper company, Elvina got a job at McQuay Norris Navy Plant in St. Louis, MO. She then went on to work in the Trenton Shoe Factory and at the Marine Garment Factory. After she married her husband, Elvina and John ran Parkway Drive In for about 6 years, before going to work for Jakel Manufacturing. For the next 23 years, Elvina would work 10 hours a week at the Knights of Columbus Club, before starting at Jim’s Formal Wear and subbing for the Highland School District. Since 1991, Elvina belonged to the Pana Prayer Group in Pana, IL, where they would pray two times a week doing four rosaries each time. Elvina was a hard working woman and a devoted Catholic. She will be missed by all who knew her.

      She was preceded in death by her husband, John L. Gantner; parents, Anton “Tony” and Dora Sudholt; siblings, Ernest Sudholt, Odelia Trame, David Sudholt, Tom Sudholt, and Floyd Sudholt.

      Elvina is survived by her three children, John A. Gantner, Blanche Small, Norine (Bob) Groves; grandchildren, Aaron J. (Kedra) Schuster, Ty Small, Valerie Small, John C. (Manu) Gantner, Krystal (Brian) McClenahan, Kelsey (Bas) Slats, Adam (Codi) Gantner; great-grandchildren, Noah, Owen, Jaxson, Wyatt, Avery, Elise, Vera; siblings, Don (Antonette) Sudholt and Bob (Marilyn) Sudholt.

      All services are private.

      Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

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    4 Condolences
     
    1. Laurie Spellmeyer Doak / November 29, 2021 at 2:36 pm

      Dear Val. I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear Grandmother. I know you loved her so much. My prayers are with you and your family.
      Love you much!

    2. Janet Renko / November 30, 2021 at 9:16 pm

      We are so saddened to hear your Mother has passed. I still remember my first job at Parkway after school. We got our start on married life when Alvina and John sold us their neighboring lot in Holiday Manor. We could not have had better loving or caring neighbors. They brought us laughter, joy and love. And those memories we treasure forever. Praying you all find strength, peace and comfort in your hearts. Janet & Louie Renko

    3. Donna K Stoff / December 6, 2021 at 2:40 pm

      Blanche. You and your family are in my thouhts and prayers during this difficult time. I know that you miss your Mom as much as I miss my mom, dad and sister Mary. Please let me know what I can do for you during this time. Perhaps, we can get together to talk.

      Love and Friendship Class of 1975 St. Paul High School Highland, Illinois

      Donna Stoff

    4. Pat Holthaus / December 7, 2021 at 8:01 pm

      Love and prayers for all the family. Special love to Blanche & Norine. Greg and I always enjoyed your Mom and Dad. They were really good people and alot of fun to be with. Both were really faithful to come to the grotto, in hot sun,cold winter days, beautiful spring nights and beautiful fall days. Even climbing thru snowbanks and your Dad would help us shovel snow. Now they are in heaven with our many other saints of our unity!! Would have come but we didn’t know until Fred called today.

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