A funeral will be held Tuesday, July 2, 2024 for 88-year-old Julia Ann Saak of Chester, Ill., who passed away peacefully at 2:44 a.m., Friday, June 28, 2024 at her residence.
She was born January 7, 1936 in Herrin, Ill. a daughter of Brockey and Thelma (nee Emert) Childers
who both preceded her in death.
Julia married Wilbur “Wib” M. Saak on June 17, 1961 in Chester, Illinois; he preceded her in
death on April 13, 2019.
Julia and her husband, Wib, were named Citizens of the Year in Chester in 1994.
She is survived by a son: Aaron (Jennifer) Saak of Carlisle, Mass.; two stepsons: Charles (Judith) Saak of The Villages, Fla. and Robert (Cheryl) Saak of Diamondhead, Miss.; a sister: Mary Alice Welge of Chester, Ill.; two grandchildren: Samantha Saak and Natalie Saak; four step grandchildren: Kevin Saak, Michael Saak, Robert Saak II, and Gemelle Saak; six step great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was also preceded in death by a brother: Robert Childers, and a brother-in-law: Donald Welge.
Julia was a loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. Throughout her life, she enjoyed
spending time with her family and friends, traveling, quilting, playing the piano, and baking.
After graduating from Chester High School, Julia attended Jewish Hospital’s School of Nursing
in St. Louis and worked as a registered nurse.
She was the first full-time school nurse for the Chester School District No. 139, a position she held for 14 years.
She was also employed by the Chester Clinic, Memorial Hospital, and the Randolph County Health Department throughout her career.
Julia was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Chester, where she served
many times as an Elder and Deacon and taught Sunday School.
She was also a member of the Chester Woman’s Club, the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Friends of the Chester Public Library and she served on the Chester Public Library Board of Directors.
Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at the Pechacek Funeral Home in Chester, Ill.
A funeral for 88-year-old Julia Ann Saak of Chester, Ill., will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 2, 2024
at the Pechacek Funeral Home in Chester, Illinois. Officiating:Rev. Sam Rothemeyer.
Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Chester, Ill.
Memorials may be made to the Chester Public Library or to First Presbyterian Church, Chester, Ill.
To view this obituary and sign the register book visit www.wpfh.net