‘A fighter up to the bitter end’: Belleville businesses mourn loss of downtown brewer
The downtown Belleville business and St. Louis brewing communities are mourning the loss of one of their own.
Corina Mager, a homebrewer and brewer/bartender at Shoehorn Brewing, died Sunday after battling a long illness. Her death brought a reaction from other downtown business owners and from others who share her passion for beer making and hospitality. They shared their thoughts on social media and with each other.
There were homebrewers in Monroe County and restaurant and tavern owners in Millstadt who expressed their loss.
Shoehorn Brewing co-owner Mike Johnson memorialized Mager in an email Tuesday to the BND:
“I, like many others, met Corina and Jeff through the Homebrewing community. Corina being the social butterfly that she was, introduced me to her husband Jeff and slowly we all became close friends.
“It seemed that she never met a stranger. Routinely I would hear that she met a person at a brewery and within minutes invited them over for their regular Sunday brew days. She would cook for the group and folks would make it a potluck of good times and great conversation.
“She never sat down. She was always moving about, mothering folks and making sure everyone was having a good time whether at home, beer festivals, or work. In the later stages of her illness, I would have to insist (really demand) that she take breaks and sit down. Reminding her that she didn’t need to work but she was insistent on doing what she could. It was something she could control.
“It seemed she felt guilty taking time for herself. Always having her mind drift to helping others.
“Corina was an amazing person. Kind, thoughtful, and true. She was a fighter up to the bitter end. And she will be dearly missed.”
Co-owner Jeremy Hall did not immediately reply to a request for comments.
Bryan Schubert, brewer and owner of Millpond Brewing in Millstadt, said in a brief phone interview that he knew the Magers for close to 15 years.
He met them through a homebrew club in Waterloo. He said they worked together when they could during the construction of Millpond and collaborated on some of the brewery’s projects.
“They’re close friends,” he said.
Corina Mager became an extended part of the Millpond family, said Schubert, helping all the time and asking nothing in return. She always tried to do her best to help others and is the last person you’d expect something like this to happen to.
Shoehorn Brewing shared news of Mager’s death Monday via Facebook.
The post was later shared by other downtown businesses including The Lincoln Theatre, Chaos Sushi Bar & Grill, Blanquart’s Rusty Gem Vintage Market and Toots’ Cake & Candy Supplies.
Condolences began appearing on the social media platform as news of Mager’s death spread.
“Sending our prayers and love to a Main Street family member.” – Bennie’s Pizza Pub.
“We are so sad to hear about one of our friends. … Sending our condolences from the Margaritas Family.” – Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
“We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend Corina Chappell Mager. She was an award winning home brewer (with her husband Jeff) and a professional brewer at Shoehorn Brewing in Belleville. She was a fixture at our event and many other related events in the area. Corina had an effervescent and outgoing personality and we became friends quickly. We will miss seeing her smiling face at our event. Our condolences go out to her husband Jeff, her family, and her many friends.” – Jason Hulbert, Doug Boczek and Carl Bundy, Mt. Vernon Brewers Festival.
“The craft beer world lost quite a gem yesterday. Corina Mager went far beyond being a remarkable and unique brewer. She was a trusted friend to all. She was an individual who, despite what kind of day she was having, would put everything aside to give you a shoulder to lean on. Nobody was a stranger. Nobody was an outsider. Nobody was judged. She made sure all were welcomed and accepted. Corina, your infectious laugh and smile will be missed here at the White Rooster.” – White Rooster Farmhouse Brewery
Mager was also a member of the Pink Boots Society, which consists of women and non-binary individuals, assisting members in education and career advancement in the fermented/alcoholic beverage industry.
The society posted, “Our craft beer community lost a very special human this weekend. Sincerest condolences go out to Corina Chappell Mager‘s family and all those who had the wonderful pleasure to brew a beer with her or be a part of her life... She will be missed beyond words.”
A blog post on drink314.com shared that “Mager’s contributions to the brewing scene and her vibrant personality had touched many in the industry.”
Mager leaves behind her husband and homebrewing partner, Jeff, and children, Alyssa and Mason.
Johnson launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to help the Mager family pay for medical and funeral costs.
The GoFundMe post includes a message from Alyssa:
“... She was beautiful, kind, and welcoming to every person she met. We’re going to miss her laugh, smile, and positivity. There’s not enough words to describe what she means to us, our best friend. She was our angel on earth and now in heaven. I know she’s going to be watching over us. If love could have saved her, she would’ve lived forever.”
Visitation takes place 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, and 9-11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27 at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in Marissa. Funeral services will take place at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Friday. Andrew Tufto will officiate.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home is located at 114 S. Main St. in Marissa.
This story was originally published September 25, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
