Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

Nelson L. Marasti, 82, of Gillespie, Ill., died at St. John's Hospital in Springfield on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. He was born Jan. 14, 1940, in Staunton to Nello and Leona (Salter) Marasti. He married Beverly Togliatti on Aug. 5, 1961, in Wilsonville. She survives.

He was a retired coal miner for Monterey Coal Co. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Nelson was a member of the UMW 1613 and SS Simon and Jude Church. He was a charter member of the Gillespie Bass Club. Nelson was an avid fisherman who enjoyed his wife and family.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly Marasti of Gillespie; daughter, Lisa (Peter) Evans of Jerseyville; grandchildren, Emily (Taryn) Stark of Monona, Wis., Alexandra Evans of Maplewood, Mo., Matthew Evans of Jerseyville; great-grandchild, Rory Stark; sister, Jeanette Dumez of Gillespie; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janice and Mike Mathis of Gillespie; and three nieces. Nelson was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Julius Marasti; and brother-in-law, Robert Dumez.

Friends may call on Friday, Jan. 28, at SS Simon & Jude Church in Gillespie from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Funeral Mass will follow at the church at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Gillespie. The family asks that COVID guidelines are followed including mandatory masks.

Memorials are suggested to Masses, SS Simon & Jude Church, Gillespie, or St. Francis Holy Ghost School in Jerseyville. Condolences may be left online at http://www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie is in charge of arrangements.