Ellarine M. Santel

Ellarine M. Santel, age 86, of New Baden, passed away peacefully at her home on May 3, 2025. Born on November 30, 1938, she was the cherished daughter of Herman and Katherine (Golsch) Fauke. On May 7, 1957, Ellarine married Robert "Smitty" Santel at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden, sharing a life filled with love and companionship until his passing on February 14, 2021.

Ellarine is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Sonja (Jeff) Jansen; her son, Chris Santel; her daughter-in-law, Kristie Santel; nine grandchildren; and twenty-four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Herman (Dolores) Fauke, and her in-laws, Bernadine Koopmann, Diane Masterson, and Esther Santel

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, her stepfather, Edward Strake, her son, Edward Santel, and her brothers-in-law: Alfred (Janet) Santel, Aloys Santel, Ralph Koopman, and Eugene Masterson. Additionally, she was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Delores (Jerome) Varel, her mother-in-law, Sarah Lineman, and her father-in-law, Clemens Santel.

A devoted member of St. Damian Parish in Damiansville, Ellarine found joy in camping, playing cards, working on puzzles, listening to country music, and seeing all her grandkids and great-grandkids. Her kind heart, laughter, and loving spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville.

Visitation will be held from 8:00 until 9:45 AM on Tuesday, May 6, 202,5 at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville.

Memorials made in memory of Ellarine are suggested to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at church or at Nordike Funeral Home, 15 East Hanover Street, New Baden, IL 62265.