Carlene Baumheuter, nee Cruse, 92, of Waterloo, Illinois, formerly of Cahokia, Illinois, born January 3, 1934 in Elco, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at her residence.

Carlene was a member of Heritage of Grace Church in Columbia, IL.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William "Bob" Baumheuter; a daughter, Laura Cordingley; her parents, Carl and Faye, nee Avett, Cruse; and a sister, Kay Meyer.

Surviving are her children, William R. (Katherine) Baumheuter, II and Linda (Carl) Woodbury; a sister, Carolyn Swope; five grandchildren, Megan (Bryce) Wittekind, Seth Cordingley, Cedric Woodbury, Courtney Woodbury, and Tracy Woodbury; and a great granddaughter, Claire Wittekind.  She was also a dear sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Memorials may be made to Life Network of Southern Illinois (Pregnancy Care) 722 N. Market St. Waterloo, IL 62298.

Funeral procession to leave at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, from Braun Family Funeral Home, Columbia, Illinois to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri for burial services.