Metro-East News

Funeral arrangements announced for St. Libory woman who died in apartment fire

By Carolyn P. Smith and Derik Holtmann
Fire investigators were on the scene at an apartment above Dave’s West End Tavern, 7160 Illinois 15 in St. Libory Friday April 1. A 51-year-old woman died in an apartment fire there on Monday March 28. “Two passersby saw flames shooting from outside the window and they alerted the owner who was still inside of the bar” and called the fire department, St. Libory Fire Chief Casey Trentman said. A press release stated that the passersby “ran up the back steps to the apartment and kicked in the door. Neither could enter the burning apartment because the flames were too intense.”
Fire investigators were on the scene at an apartment above Dave’s West End Tavern, 7160 Illinois 15 in St. Libory Friday April 1. A 51-year-old woman died in an apartment fire there on Monday March 28. “Two passersby saw flames shooting from outside the window and they alerted the owner who was still inside of the bar” and called the fire department, St. Libory Fire Chief Casey Trentman said. A press release stated that the passersby “ran up the back steps to the apartment and kicked in the door. Neither could enter the burning apartment because the flames were too intense.” Derik Holtmann dholtmann@bnd.com

Funeral arrangements have been announced for a St. Libory woman who died in an apartment fire Monday.

Visitation for family and friends of Stacy L. Gale is April 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Lively Grove. A funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.

Gale, 51, lived in the apartment that caught fire Monday night above Dave’s West End Tavern on Illinois 15, authorities said.

Gale was the manager of the tavern, according to her obituary. She had also operated a beauty salon out of her home for many years. “Stacy enjoyed time with her family, boating and camping,” the obituary states.

Surviving are her parents, Claude L. “Louie” and Ruth Ann L., nee Waller, Gale of St. Libory, IL; brothers and sisters, Chris (Kevin) Wisneski of Venedy, IL, Tim Gale of Coulterville, IL, Cathy (Todd) Wilson of Red Bud, IL, Tom (Erin) Gale of Nashville, IL; nieces and nephews, Brandon and Alec Wisneski, Addi, Austynn and Andi Gale and Ava Wilson and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

In a text to the BND, her sister Cathy described her as ``the kind of person that gave the perfect, most thoughtful gifts. She loved fiercely and would do absolutely anything for her nieces and nephews.”

The fire was reported around 10:33 p.m. Monday, St. Libory Fire Chief Casey Trentman said.

Two passersby were driving by the tavern when they saw the blaze. Capt. Bruce Fleshren of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department said the passersby “ran up the back steps to the apartment and kicked in the door. Neither could enter the burning apartment because the flames were too intense.”

Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. said Gale was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:27 p.m.

The Illinois State Fire Marshal is investigating to determine the cause and origin of the blaze.

Staff members from the agency were at the scene Friday examining the remains of the building.

Memorials may be made in the form of Masses or to St. Anthony Cemetery Fund, 6101 St. Anthony Church Rd., Oakdale, IL 62268. People can express their condolences to her family at mollfuneralhome.com.

This story was originally published April 2, 2022 at 8:00 AM.

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