Celeste M. Agne, nee Schwaegel, 95, of Belleville, IL, born August 30, 1929, in O’Fallon, IL, died Friday, October 11, 2024, at Grand Manor retirement home, Belleville, IL.
Celeste grew up on the Schwaegel family farm across from the current O’Fallon high school freshman campus. She attended Milburn School as a child and was a member of St. Clare Catholic church in O’Fallon. After meeting her future husband Stan Agne at a Rural Youth bowling event in Mascoutah, and upon Stan’s return from the Korean War, they were married at St. Clare’s church and built their family home and life near what eventually became Lone Oak Farm, south of Belleville. Celeste and Stan raised their four sons as members of St. Peter Cathedral Catholic Church and school in Belleville, where Celeste served as president of the Cathedral grade school mother’s club and as a member of the Cathedral Quilters club. Celeste was an outstanding seamstress, making her own wedding dress, making and tailoring gowns, suits, and outfits for many friends and family, and working as a tailor for J.C. Penney. Celeste worked over 30 years at McDonald’s restaurant across from the St. Clair fairgrounds and was celebrated for her service by McDonald’s management, and fondly remembered by many regular customers. As a homemaker, Celeste loved cooking for everyone and hosting family gatherings. She maintained her farm community roots as a member of Turkey Hill Grange, tending her garden, local stray cats, and supporting many children, friends and family throughout her life. Music and sports were a big part of Celeste’s life, supporting Stan’s involvement with local bands, graciously hosting basement practice sessions for her son’s rock bands, as well as hosting countless backyard baseball, football, and basketball games. Celeste will be missed terribly by her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Barbara, nee Fellner, Schwaegel; three brothers, Raymond Schwaegel, Clete Schwaegel, and Clyde Schwaegel; and two sisters, Dorothy Macke and Bernice Burns.
Surviving are her loving husband of 71 years, Stanley T. Agne, whom she married on August 1, 1953; four sons, Keith (Linda) Agne, Craig L. (Chris) Agne, Kent D. (Dr. Mary) Agne, and Wayne M. Agne (Betty Greer); 13 grandchildren, Tim Agne, Mark Agne, Elise Agne, Bethany (Andrew) Edwards, Mike Agne, Travis Agne, Jason (Leah) Agne, Grace (Ethan) Lichvar, Brandy (Jeff) Parmeley, Rachel Holloway, Casey Agne, Joshua (Katie) Agne and David (Angie) Carson; 15 great-grandchildren, Jared, Neil, Thora, Kitt, Logan, Bryce, Hudson, Thatcher, Everly, Easton, Addison, Simon, Damien, Landon, and Isabelle; in-laws, Dorothy Schwaegel, Delores (Edward) Holdener, and Helen Toennies; and many dear nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the staff at Grand Manor, Family Hospice, and Barbara Cromer for the love and care given to Celeste these past few months.
Memorials may be made to Turkey Hill Grange, Belleville, IL, or to Family Hospice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, October 14, 2024, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Fr. Godfrey Mullen, OSB officiating.
