Pauline Gurganus
Alton | Save
Pauline Gurganus, 102, of East Peoria, IL, formerly residing at Alton, IL, passed away on February 13, 2026. She was born on February 12, 1924 in Alton, IL to Harry F. and Mattie M. Berry of Alton, IL.
After graduating from Alton Senior High School, class of 1941, she went on to study at Temple Hall Business/ Secretarial School in Alton, IL. She married Array (Ray) Gurganus in September of 1945. Pauline worked from 1953 - 1965 at Radio Station WOKZ, Alton/ Godfrey as Secretary / Bookkeeper of Edward Palen. She prepared and hosted a daily women’s program, “Let’s Talk”. She then moved on to Olin Corporation, Winchester Division in East Alton, IL in 1965 where she worked as an Executive Secretary until retiring in 1986.
During those years, she was a member of the foster Township Senior Citizens, serving 6 years as president. She was also active in Leisure Friends Senior Citizens Group, LIFT Group in Alton, IL, Alton-Wood River Sportmans Club, and Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary.
Pauline loved nature and the outdoors and spent more of her spare time growing and pressing flowers and creating a line of floral greeting cards, bookmarks, and pictures which she sold in local shops and craft fairs. She was a avid reader and a member of a local Creative Writing group.
Pauline is survived by her son, Barry W. and wife Patricia Gurganus, East Peoria, IL; grandchildren, Gina Sauder and Jackie Gurganus; three great-grandchildren, Kati Sauder, Barry Suder, and Tristen Diemer and four great-great-grandchildren, Maurien Sauder, Amya Sauder, Martellus Love, and Evelyn Kai Suader. One sister-in-law, Bonnie Berry and nieces Andrea and Margaret.
She was preceded in death by her spouse, Ray Gurganus; parents Harry F. and Mattie M. Berry; brothers, Elmer A and Harold Berry; and sister, Viola Brummer.
While residing in the Alton area, she was an active member of Zion Presbyterian Church of Fosterburg and serving as Elder and Senior Citizen Advocate on Giddings Lovejoy council On Aging.
Final arrangements are being handled by Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home. There will be no visitation or funeral services.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to her favorite charity, St. Judes Children’s Hospital or charity of your own choice.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
