Elizabeth Mary "Liz" Klingler, age 97, formerly of O'Fallon, resident of Our Lady of the Snows Shrine, Belleville, born May 6, 1926 in Collinsville, Ill., passed away September 28, 2023.

She was a retired secondary school teacher of 35 years, having retired from East St. Louis Sr. High School in 1986. She was a graduate of St. Teresa Academy, earned a B.A. from LeClerc College, and an M.A. from SIUE. She was a member of Kappa Gamma Pi. She was also a member and former trustee of St. Clare Catholic  Church, where she served as long-time lector and docent. Liz was a member and former president of St. Elizabeth Hospital Auxiliary and served on the Advisory Board. She also was a volunteer reader for Mind's Eye radio for the Blind, former Board Member of the Meredith Home in Belleville, and was a Red Cross volunteer at St. Elizabeth Hospital for many years. She was a member of IRTA, St. Clair County Retired Teachers Assoc., and was a longtime leader of Recovery International. She was active in PSOP and AARP activities. Liz was an avid bowler and enjoyed traveling, telling jokes, and spending time with the O'Fallon Senior Citizens Club and St. Clare Seniors. In 2006, Liz became a local celebrity performing and entertaining groups with her jokes. She even produced a joke book: "Laugh with Liz."

In memory of Liz, memorial donations are suggested to St. Clare Catholic Church. Online condolences may be offered at www.wfh-ofallon.com.

The life of Liz shows what happens to those who stay close to the Lord.
"In old age, they still produce fruit; they are always green and full of sap. "
-Psalms 92:14, This is an example for us all.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years Herbert William Klingler; her parents Nicholas and Emma, nee Lang, Welzbacher; sister Rosemary Klingler, and brothers Paul and John Welzbacher.

She is survived by her daughter Ann Marie Jefferson of St. Louis; son James H. (Brenda) Klingler of Augusta, Mo., granddaughters Nancy (Tyler) Ewing of Oak Harbor, Wash., and Kendra Bingham of Wentzville, Mo.

Visitation: 4-8 pm, Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, Ill., and one hour prior to Mass on Friday, at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am, Friday, October 6, 2023 at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 1411 Cross St., Shiloh, Ill., with Fr. James Deiters officiating. Burial will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, Ill.