Frances M. Zagorski, nee Nahlik, age 88, of Caseyville, IL, born on November 18, 1936, in Jefferson County, MO, died on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at BJC Hospital, St. Louis, MO.
Frances Marie, born 3rd child of 13 to Joe and Loretta Nahik. She attended St. Anthony’s Catholic Grade School in House Springs, MO. Then at age 15, entered St. Mary’s Convent and became Sister Mary Rose Therese, but did not take final vows. Following her convent education, she took a job as lab technician at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL. She met and married Joe Albert. One of Fran’s earliest ambitions was to marry and have a bunch of kids…she accomplished her dream.
She loved farm life, dancing, embroidery, fishing, raising kids and chickens, and various other farm critters. She was always devoted to her faith and praying the rosary. Frances was involved in church and school as a member of St. Anne’s Alter Sodality, Blue Army, choir, Pre-Cana, RCIA, PSR, funeral luncheon program and fish frys. She was a scout den leader for over 6 years, worked the church bingos, and was a “heavenly duster” with the church cleaning crew. Frances served as precinct committee person and bereavement committee for neighbors on South Clinton Road. She babysat for friends and neighbors and could always be called upon to patch up clothes, kids and animals. Frances was strong in her faith and always trusted God to bring her through any hardship.
We celebrate her long and fruitful life. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, Godmother, grandma, great granny, confidant, friend and neighbor. She is now with her beloved Joe and all who have gone before her to rest in the arms of the Lord and Blessed Mother. So loved and so missed but never forgotten. Until we meet again, peace be the journey.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph A. Zagorski; her parents, Joseph John and Loretta Elizabeth, nee Klahs Nahlik; her grandparents, William “Bill” and Mary “Mamie” nee Weldele Klahs; and Joseph and Frances nee Kroupa Nahlik; her siblings, Ann Winkelman, Joseph Nahlik, Jr., Valentine Nahlik, and Vincent Nahlik; and her son-in-law, Pat Korte. She is also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Isadore Winkelman, Eugene Kopp, Dennis Buchheit, Dale Wild, Margie Nahlik, Rhetta Nahlik, and Robert McGregor.
She is survived by her 13 children, Margaret (Tom) Duckworth, Anthony Zagorski, Gregory (Deb) Zagorski, Richard (Diana) Zagorski, Joseph (Kimberly) Zagorski, Julie Korte, Paul Zagorski, James Zagorski, Rose (Bill) Goodwin, Larry Zagorski, Valentine (Chrissy) Zagorski, Victoria Zagorski, and Victor (Bethany) Zagorski; her 26 grandchildren, Jessica (Roger) Darden, Teresa (Eric) Bustamante, Thomas (Nicole) Duckworth, Jeremiah (Sarah) Duckworth, Renee (Kyle) Northcutt, Joshua Zagorski, Susie Zagorski, Joe Zagorski, Samantha (Tyler) Peterson, Ellie Korte, Trevor Goodwin, Tyler (Alexa) Goodwin, Jacob Zagorski, Austin Zagorski, Lucas Zagorski, Kayleigh Zagorski, Ethan Zagorski, Scarlette Zagorski, Emma Zagorski, Callie Zagorski, Silas Zagorski, Eliam Zagorski, Isla Zagorski, Asher Zagorski, Esme Zagorski, and Joseph Zagorski; her eight great grandchildren, Grant Darden, Morgan Darden, Emmilee Darden, Joey Bustamante, Eli Peterson, Josephine Duckworth, Wyatt Duckworth, and Boone Duckworth; her siblings, Marylou Kopp, Julie Buchheit, Barbara (Ron) Buchheit, Audrey Jo Wild, Larry (Karen) Nahlik, Victor Nahlik, Jean McGregor, and Rosemary (Robert) Sandmeier. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Donations can be made to Holy Trinity (Blue Army), St. Vincent DePaul Society or ABL Pregnancy Center.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kassly Mortuary, Ltd., Fairview Heights, IL.
Visitation will also be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, IL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, IL., with Fr. James Buerster officiating. Interment will be in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
