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Obituary for Elbert A. Fasnacht
Elbert Alvin Fasnacht, age 88, was called home to be with our Lord on November 23rd, 2020 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center surrounded by his loving family. Elbert was born on December 20, 1931 in Enfield, IL to Walter and Ethel Fasnacht. From a young age, he had a heart for service. He enlisted in the US Military in 1949 at just 17 years old to fight in the Korean War. After serving for 25 years, Elbert retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in 1974. With one career complete, his next service began – education – where he taught English and History at St. Elmo and Oakland. Along with teaching in the classroom, Mr. Fasnacht enjoyed teaching in the sports arena by coaching golf, baseball, basketball, and track. After retirement, he could be found with a good book, on the golf course, and with his family. Elbert enjoyed making people laugh and truly never met a stranger. Those who had the privilege of knowing him were used to his mischievous grin and consistent positive attitude. For a man who had many cloudy days in life, he always brought the sunshine. Family was one of the great loves in Elbert's life. He was always the face his granddaughters could see in the stands, never missing a game, recital, or birthday party. (The man couldn't pass up free cake!) He was the happiest when surrounded by the chaos of family. Above all else, the greatest love of Elbert's life was his beautiful wife, Nellie. They were married in May 1953 and spent an amazing almost-67 years together before her passing in March 2019. In the end, what brought Elbert peace was knowing Nellie would be waiting with open arms at Heaven's gates. Elbert is survived by his sister Betty Devore of Olney, IL, twin brother Albert Elvin Fasnacht of St. Elmo, IL, daughter Margaret "Peggy" (Lawrence Gaskill) Curry of Mattoon, IL, son Elbert "Bub" (Carolyn) Fasnacht II of Carbondale, IL; and his 8 wonderful grandchildren: Patricia (Jonathan) McMinn, Jonny (Jerimie) Matthews, Matthew (Nina) Ameroso, Sarah Curry (Asa Clapp), Taylor Hill, Greg Fasnacht, Katy Fasnacht, and Jack Fasnacht; and 4 beautiful great-grandchildren: Corban, Liam, Gavin, and Adalyn McMinn. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Onieda Slagley, Alice Shaw, Leone Huxtable, Bobby Fasnacht, and Walter Fasnacht Jr, and his loving wife, Nellie Margaret Fasnacht. Funeral service to be held on Saturday, December 5th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., graveside at the Van Voorhis Cemetery. Those impacted by Elbert's life are invited to meet at the cemetery or if preferred, join the procession at 10:45 at Krabel Funeral Home in Oakland, IL. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Oakland V.F.W. Post #3637.
