By Melanie Tuttle
Posted: Updated:
7 Comments
  • Visitation

    Saturday, March 16, 2024

    2:00 to 4:00 PM

    Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL

  • Service

    Saturday, March 16, 2024

    4:00 PM

    Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Dathel “Dee” M. Gersbacher, 89, of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Eden Retirement Home, in Glen Carbon, IL.

    She was born February 17, 1935, in Wolf Island, Missouri, to Charles and Orpa (Bratcher) Parker. On June 17, 1972, she married James Gersbacher in Granite City, IL.

    Dathel was an outgoing and charismatic individual, always at the center of social gatherings. She had a knack for making friends easily wherever she went. Her straightforward nature was balanced by her charm. Beyond her social persona, Dathel cherished her family dearly. She was a treasured mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

    She is preceded in death by her loving husband of 31 years, James Gersbacher; parents, Charles and Orpa Parker; daughter, Donna McFarland; son, Charles “Ricky” (Donna) Davis; grandson, Jesse (Jamie) Phillips; 2 brothers, Delbert, Billy; 3 sisters, Geneva, Fay-dean, Dorthy.

    Dathel is survived by her children, Sharon (Jerry) Bucher, Ben “Stevie” (Kelly) Phillips; grandchildren, Heather (Brandon) Royer, Rebecca Bucher, Corey Taylor, Travis (Amy) Taylor, Ben Phillips, “TJ” Phillips; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Harper, Averie, Marcus, Gavin, Addy, Gracie, Brooklyn, Katie; Sister, Pansy Atkinson; son-in-law, Louie McFarland; numerous nieces, nephews, and many loving friends, including her special friends from the Spring Garden Restaurant.

    Memorials may be made to Dathel’s Family.

    Visitation: Saturday, March 16, 2024, 2:00 to 4:00 PM, Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

    Memorial Service: Saturday, March 16, 2024, 4:00 PM, Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

    Clergy: Rev Ed Linhart

    Interment: At a later date, St. Paul Church Yard, St. Louis, MO.

    Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

7 Condolences
 
  1. Louie McFarland / March 5, 2024 at 3:49 pm

    Dathel (my mother-in-law) will be missed. I always enjoyed watching StL Cardinals baseball games on TV with her. We had fun!

    I want her to give my sweet Donna a big hug for me in heaven.

    Prayers for the family and friends in this time of loss. God is with her now 🙏.

  2. Nancy Woolen / March 5, 2024 at 4:19 pm

    Will miss you grandma! So glad I got to meet you and share all the fun and laughs we had at thanksgiving and Christmas dinners! You added so much fun and joy to the family! Thank you Heather for sharing her! Sending ( hugs) and love to the family!

  3. Gene shands / March 5, 2024 at 7:38 pm

    My condolences to family and friends

  4. Kim Phillips / March 6, 2024 at 2:59 pm

    The hardest thing to do is say Good bye to the very first person that loved you.Im so sorry. Heaven is rejoicing for the new Angel that just came home.
    What a blessing she was,and the wonderful memories she gave her family and all who loved her.

  5. Barry Tremmel / March 7, 2024 at 5:20 pm

    God bless you Dee, You were a great lady. Will miss you.

  6. Uncle Darrell / March 16, 2024 at 7:27 am

    Family and friends “Gran Maw” is missed! I loved her personality the way she like to banter back and forth anytime or where I saw her! Thanks Heather for sharing her with us! Love and prayers for you and your family!

  7. Debbie Adams / May 28, 2024 at 11:34 am

    So sorry to hear of Dathel’s passing. I had the pleasure of knowing her for over 60 years! She was such a caring lady! RIP sweet Dathel!

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