Sarah Kathryn Davidsmeier

Sarah Kathryn Davidsmeier, age 99, of Virginia, Illinois, died Monday, December 15, 2025, at Cass County Senior Living and Rehabilitation.

She was born May 28, 1926, in Virginia, Illinois, the daughter of Roy Jokisch and Josephine Sudbrink. She married Russell Ernest Davidsmeier on November 20, 1947, at First Presbyterian Church in Virginia. He preceded her in death on June 7, 2011.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Penny Davidsmeier of rural Virginia; four grandchildren: Elissa (husband Chad) Harrison of rural Virginia, Victory (partner Timothy Schaaf) Davidsmeier of rural Virginia, Maria Davidsmeier of Minneapolis, and Thomas (wife Rebecca) Davidsmeier of St. Charles, Illinois; twelve great-grandchildren: William Davidsmeier, Luci Harrison, Maxwell Moore (father David Moore), Hannah (husband Nathan) Reiley, Myra (husband Aaron) Zedwick, Sarah, Rachel, Joseph, Peter, Ezekiel, Nineveh, and Verity Davidsmeier; and one great-great-granddaughter, Daisy Zedwick.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Russell Ernest Davidsmeier; a daughter, Susan L. Davidsmeier Smith (surviving life partner Ron Lynn); a son, Martin Davidsmeier; a grandson in infancy, Andrew Martin Davidsmeier; a great-granddaughter, Lydia Davidsmeier; and a sister, Janet Jokisch Adkins.

Sarah graduated from Virginia High School with the Class of 1944 and later attended William Woods College, where she received her teaching certificate in 1946. She taught at Red Oak School in rural Virginia for two years before marriage. Afterward, she chose to remain at home, devoting herself to raising her family and caring for the household as a farmer's wife.

She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Virginia, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. Later in life, she attended Shiloh Church in rural Virginia with her family. One of her early memories was attending the Chicago World's Fair at the age of eight. She also proudly recalled hearing Winston Churchill deliver his famous "Iron Curtain" speech on March 5, 1946, at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.

Sarah enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, and assembling jigsaw puzzles. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and was delighted to witness their World Series victory in 2016. She also faithfully supported Beardstown High School sports. Above all, she deeply loved her family. Though her life included much tragedy, she persevered with strength and grace, serving as the beloved matriarch of her family.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Shiloh Church in rural Virginia. Private graveside services will be held prior to the memorial service. A traditional visitation will take place Friday, December 19, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown.

Memorials are suggested to the Cass County Food Pantry and/or the Shiloh Church Mission Committee. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.