Geri Ann Griffin

Geri Ann Griffin, 66, of Hecker, Illinois, passed away Sunday, May 17th 2026 in Belleville,Illinois surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born to the late Edmund H. and Esther (nee Kreher) Eckart on January 22nd, 1960 in Red Bud, Illinois. Geri married Dale Griffin on September, 13th 1991 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Paderborn, IL. He preceded her in death on March 22nd 1999.

Geri was preceded in death by her brother Marvin Eckart, her sister and brother-in-law Melba “Jeannie” and William “Bill” Happel, sister-in-law Georgia Eckart, brother-in-law David Stevenson, sister-in-law Susie Wallace, brother-in-law John(Denise) Griffin, brother-in-law Cary Parker, father-in-law and mother-in-law Robert and Joan Griffin.

She is survived by her son Brice Griffin (Taylor Vayette) and daughter Jodi (Corey) Harter and grandbaby Harter arriving in August 2026 and Step daughter Dana Griffin. Along with her brothers and sisters Ralph (Kathy) Eckart, Mary (Larry) Schaltenbrand, Edmund G Eckart, Lori(Andy) Amann, Arnold (Angie) Eckart, Theresa (Jim) Stearns. Sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws Sandy Eckart, JoAnn Stevenson, Mary Parker, Sandy (Lisa) Defgriffowal,Donna (Mark) Griffin.Numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Geri, a beloved mother and member of family and community, passed away leaving behind many cherished memories and lasting friendships. Geri was known for her kindness, dedication, and strong work ethic throughout her life. Geri was an active parishioner at St. Augustine of Canterbury, Hecker IL.

She proudly worked for the United States Postal Service for 30 years, serving as postmaster of Frankfort Heights IL, Ashley IL, Marissa IL, and retiring from the Smithton IL post office in 2009. Her commitment to helping others and the relationships she built through her years of service made a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. Since retirement Geri was a member of the Hecker Community Center where she held the positions of Treasurer and House Chairperson where she devoted countless hours supporting local events and community activities.

Geri will be remembered for her caring heart, devotion to family and friends, and the warmth she shared with those around her. Her memory will continue to live on in the lives she touched throughout the years.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to:
Siteman Cancer Center
or St. Augustine Church - Hecker, IL

Visitation:
4 PM to 8 PM Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL
8 AM to 9:30 AM Friday, May 22, 2026 at Quernheim Funeral Home in Waterloo, IL

Funeral Mass:
10 AM Friday, May 22, 2026 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Hecker, IL
     Father Linus Umoren officiating
Interment will follow at St. Augustine Cemetery in Hecker, IL