Ellouise M. Wallin (92) of Teutopolis

 

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 7, 2024, at the St. Francis Cemetery in Teutopolis. A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 8th, at the Tuscan Hills Winery in Effingham. Arrangements are in the care of Bauer Funeral Home in Teutopolis. 

 

She was born on July 4, 1932, at home in Teutopolis to Louis and Della (Hakman) Swingler. She attended the public schools in Teutopolis, graduating with the Class of 1950. Ellouise worked a few different jobs before she found her passion for working with the Teutopolis Schools. Starting as a secretary at the high school, she worked her way into the Unit #50 office where she worked for many years as the district’s bookkeeper until her retirement after just over 30 years of employment with the school system. The students she worked with at the high school and her fellow staff members were always considered friends of hers.

 

Sports were always in the front of her mind participating as often as possible. She was an avid bowler, committing to her women's team for over 40 years. The girls she shared this passion with remained some of her best friends throughout her life. Being a spectator was just as much fun for her as she cheered from the sidelines for many of her children’s, grandchildren’s, and even her great-grandchildren's events. From the comfort of her home, she cheered for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Chicago Bears, and both the Fighting Illini football and basketball teams, win or lose.

 

She was a lifelong member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Teutopolis participating in many committees and programs throughout the years. Her faith guided her through life providing her strength and courage to face any challenges. She had an adventurist soul but preferred to stay close to home embracing opportunities to share life and love with her family. Becoming a grandmother quickly became her favorite role in life. She loved every moment with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, never leaving them without a hug.

 

Ellouise will be loved and missed by all. She is survived by; her sons, Jim Wallin of Effingham and Mike (Mary) Wallin of Stewardson; daughter, Bonnie (Tim) Holste of Shumway; grandchildren, Cassie (Andrew) Smith, of Bloomington, IL, Dillon (Stacy) Wallin, Chad Wallin, and Brett Wallin, all of Normal, IL, Molly Wallin of Denver, CO, Kolby (Blessing) Wallin of Carbondale, IL, Gena Williams (Alex Head) of Greenville, SC, Jamal Wiliams (Lucia Trapote) of Hamden, CT, Jordan Williams of St. Louis, MO, Tommy (Amber) Wallin of Strasburg, Jesse (Rachel) Wallin of Stewardson, Lindsay (Zach) Sarver of Cowden, and Geoff (Kelsey) Kowalczyk of Stewardson; Great-grandchildren, Sophia, Landon, and Carson Smith, Brandon, and Logan Wallin, Harper Ann Williams Head, Brady and Finn Wallin, Raegyn, Isley, and Suttyn Wallin, Jackson, Hayden, and Zoe Sarver, and Anara and Gavin Kowalczyk; sister, Arlene Bushue of Rankin, IL; brother-in-law, Jerry Wente of Acworth, GA; and sister-in-law, Reta Swingler of Teutopolis.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Deborah Wallin; grandson, Jarrett Sarver; siblings, Rosemary (Virgil) Lueken, Jeanette (Leonard) Wernsing, Bob (Mary) Swingler, Jerry Swingler, Karen Wente, and Louis Swingler, Jr.

 

We would like to thank all the wonderful staff at Heartland Senior Living in Neoga for the
kindness and gentle care they provided for our mother during the last few months of her life.

 

We’ve lost a treasured soul, but her life’s song will continue playing in our hearts for generations to come. May we remember her for the joy she brought to those around her and let her legacy serve as a reminder to spread kindness in all our interactions.