Obituaries

Elsie Janet Gobel

September 24th, 1932 – July 23rd, 2026

Elsie Janet Gobel, age 93, of Browning, Illinois passed away Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Rushville Nursing and Rehab Center. Elsie was born September 24, 1932 in Browning, Illinois to Donald and Zelma Harris Weishaar. She was the middle child of three and grew up in the Browning area.

She married Virgil Dean Gobel on December 30, 1950 in Hickory Township Drainage Bottom. They were blessed with three children, Patricia Diane, David Lee, and Nancy Kay. She worked at Mickelberry’s, sold Avon and Dutchmaid, and worked as a flagger on road construction for Virgil while raising their children.

She dedicated over forty years of her life to Modern Woodman of America. She served as Junior Director and an Adult Chapter Coordinator where she positively impacted the lives of local children and many families. She was a leader of many fundraising projects around Browning and surrounding communities and prided herself for being part of an organization that brought families together.

Elsie was a faithful member of the Assembly Church in Browning where she and Virgil enjoyed singing as part of a group and sharing the gospel with all who gathered. They enjoyed loud family gatherings with everyone packed in their small house, sleeping wherever there was room. Her grandkids fondly remember her sharing recipes in the kitchen, especially her famous donuts and homemade pickles. When the cooking was done, she was quick to clean off the table and join a card game. She always enjoyed visiting with her neighbors, especially with her best friend Marna Maxwell and all of the friends she made throughout the years.

Elsie is survived by daughters Patricia Bucher and Nancy Cox (Daniel), her grandchildren Dale Bucher (Lorna), Nathan Bucher (Pam), Jason Bucher (Amber), Shawn Bucher (Kelli), Chris Gobel (Misty), Michelle Miller (Brett), Michael Gobel (Lindsay), Zac Cox (Elizabeth), and Nic Cox (Riley), and 16 great grandchildren.

Elsie is proceeded in death by parents Donald and Zelma Weishaar; her loving husband of 66 years, Virgil Gobel; siblings Jerry Weishaar and Elaine Stroup; son David Gobel; son-in-law Dayle Bucher; and great granddaughters Cora Zelma Bucher and Kendall Kalyn Bucher.

Elsie will be greatly missed by all of those who were blessed to have known her.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026 at the Browning United Methodist Church, Browning, Illinois. Pastor Charla Meyers will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31st, from 5-7 pm at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Memorials in Elsie’s memory may be directed to local youth programs or Youth for Christ. Interment will be held in the Sheldons Grove Cemetery, Sheldons Grove, Illinois. Shawgo Memorial Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences

July 27th, 2026

I will always remember Elsie. She was very kind. Sorry. Steve and Pam Burget

July 27th, 2026

Sorry for your loss
Thinking of you all
Many Precious memories
Gary & Bev Malott Taylor & family

July 27th, 2026

Sorry for your loss
All us Malott families

July 27th, 2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Michelle and your family!
Larry & Bonnie Billingsley

July 28th, 2026

Sorry for your loss. Hang on to the precious memories of a life well lived. Prayers for comfort.
Robert and Susan Cameron

July 28th, 2026

So sorry for your family's loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Deb and Jim Park

July 28th, 2026

Miss Elsie was precious and so special. She treated everyone with genuine kindness. My sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.

July 28th, 2026

We are sorry for loss. Keeping the family in thought and prayer. Bob and Melba Baker

July 28th, 2026

Judy and I share the loss of such a beloved friend and family member. We cherish the time we were able to share with her and how she enriched our lives. Al & Judy Kempf

July 28th, 2026

Our condolences to the family. Elsie was a wonderful lady and will be missed by all.
Ann Robinson Abbot

July 28th, 2026

Sorry for your loss. Will be keeping the family and friends in prayer during this time - Ray & Cindy Spellbrink

July 29th, 2026

Nancy, Sorry to hear about your Mother, Bill Stephens