Florence M. Probst, 96, passed away Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at her home in rural Wheeler.

A Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Joseph Catholic Church in Island Grove, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2020 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. Due to Covid-19 concerns, please wear a mask and follow all social distancing guidelines. Memorial donations may be given to the Dieterich Civic Center, Meals on Wheels, Hospice of Southern Illinois or the St. Joseph Church - Island Grove.

Florence was born October 17, 1923 in Effingham, the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Niebrugge) Bloemer. She married Bernard Henry Probst on February 10, 1945 and he preceded her in death in 1999.

Florence was a member of St. Joseph Church at Island Grove where she was involved with the Council of Catholic Women. She enjoyed playing cards and was a member of the Island Grove 500 Card Club. Florence enjoyed family get-togethers where she passed out M&Ms to all, especially the little ones for over 50 years. She had a love for quilting, gardening and spent many years working along side her husband on their dairy farm.

Surviving are her children, William "Bill" (Janie) of Montrose, Donald (Norma) of Island Grove, Jane (John) Moran of Trilla, Rosie (Denny) Hickman of Windsor, Marian (Bernie) Willenborg of Vandalia, Nancy (Don) Mette of Bishop Creek, Dale (Linda) Probst of Wheeler, Janet (Tony) Hartrich of Ste. Marie and Carla (Allen) Kistner of Gila; 46 grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, 121 great-grandchildren, 5 step-great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and 4 step-great-great-grandchildren; sister, Gustie Unkraut; brothers-in-law, Raymond "Bud" Probst and Joe (Inis) Probst.

She was preceded in death by her husband; infant son, Anthony; 3 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 1 step-great-grandchild and 2 grandchildren-in-law; brothers, Arnold (Mildred) Bloemer, John (Josephine) Bloemer, Louis (Isabel) Bloemer and Francis "Bud" (Marie) Bloemer; sisters, Minnie (Andrew) Kinkelaar, Agnes (Gus) Vonderheide, Catherine (Clem) Doedtman and Gertrude Probst; brothers and sisters-in-law, Lenny Unkraut, Ed (Clara) Probst, Frieda (Fritz) Weishaar, Hilda Nieman and Bernice Probst.