Mrs. Shirley Mae Leinecke, nee Rickert, 93, born January 26, 1930, in Belleville, IL, passed away on Saturday April 29, 2023, in New Athens, IL. She was a founding member of the New Athens Ambulance Service, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and also the Daughters of the Nile.

Preceding her in death were her parents – John H. and Rose E. (Warren) Rickert, her beloved husband – Stanley P. Leinecke, whom she married on September 2, 1950, in Piggot, AR and who passed away on October 22, 1998, three brothers – Robert J. Rickert, Harold E. Rickert, John F. Rickert, two sisters – Rose Anna Rigdon and Mary E. Rickbourg and one grandson – Ryan White, and her mother and father-in-law – Philip and Anna (Maul) Leinecke.

Shirley is survived by her three daughters – Nancy L. (Gary) Junge of New Athens, IL, Kathy A. (James) Cullom of Warrenton, MO and Rebecca S. Denbow of New Athens, IL, a sister-in-law – Rita Rickert of Freeburg, IL, ten grandchildren – Martin (Kacie) White, John (Anne) Junge, Nicholas (Devin) Junge, Stanley (Haley) Junge, Mathew (Helene`) Wolf, John (Sarah) Wolf, Amanda (Mike) Popovic, Kayla (Matt) Jones, Justin (Jessica) Smith, Jared (Nicole) Smith, nineteen great grandchildren – James K. White, Savanna and Grady White, Chase and Austin Junge, Samuel Junge, Bryce and Brady Wolf, Will, Josh and Nathan Wolf, Wrigley, Britton and Finley Popovic, Stevie and Magnus Jones, Westlynn and Kinsely Smith, Caden and Morgan Smith and Jeremy Futrelle.

Memorials may be made to Family Hospice or the New Athens Ambulance Service.

Private visitation and services will be observed.

Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.

1. Tom Nuernberger says:

   05/14/2023 at 3:26 pm

   Shirley was my God Mother. Always enjoyed her when I was a young kid. Last time I talked with her we discussed EMS. I was lucky to have been a Paramedic for 47 years. To the Leinecke girls you had a super mother.

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2. Eugene ('Shorty') & Jeanette Napier says:

   05/05/2023 at 11:42 am

   Our sympathy to all of Shirley’s family. May God be with you at this difficult time.

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3. Pat Bartsokas says:

   05/02/2023 at 1:39 pm

   To Nancy, Kathy and Becky. Your Mom and Dad as well as the three of you are part of my fond memories of New Athens. Please know that you and your families have my deepest sympathy

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4. Diane Boschert says:

   05/02/2023 at 1:28 pm

   With sympathy to your family. Always nice to talk to and beautiful yard. May you have many memories in your heart forever ❤️

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5. Cheryl Schanuel says:

   05/02/2023 at 12:59 pm

   So sorry for the loss of your mother I always like Shirley she was kind to me. Prayers for your family

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6. Allen and Debbie Cahoon says:

   05/02/2023 at 8:13 am

   So sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with the family.

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7. Melvin Lischer says:

   05/02/2023 at 4:18 am

   Worked with Shirley on the ambulance

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8. Jeff and Eileen Wetzel says:

   05/01/2023 at 9:33 pm

   Our deepest sympathies go to all the family. Shirley was a strong and wonderful lady. She will be missed. And thought of often.

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9. Bryan and Darlene Rausch says:

   05/01/2023 at 9:05 pm

   Our sincere sympathy to all of Shirley’s family. Your in our thoughts and prayers.

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10. Peggy (Wilderman) Emery says:

    05/01/2023 at 8:33 pm

    Sorry to read about Shirley’s passing. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen her. She always liked to talk when I did see her. Sweet lady. The family has my deepest sympathy.

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11. Pam Hammel says:

    05/01/2023 at 7:48 pm

    Nancy, Kathy and Becky,
    I was so sorry to hear that Shirley passed away. She was one of a kind and a very special person. She will be missed. Sending prayers and sympathy.

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