Elvera Mahan
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Elvera Mahan

  • January 21, 1922 - September 23, 2012
  • New Athens, Illinois
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“Brian and Family: We are saddened by the passing of Aunt Vera. She was a terrific person and spent so many years making life better (including...Read More » ”
1 of 6 | Posted by: Marv and Melanie Kaiser - KY

“Brian, I was sorry to hear of your mom's passing. While it had been many years since I had seen her, I remember her as a very vibrant lady and I am...Read More » ”
2 of 6 | Posted by: Ron Schneider - Oconomowoc, WI

“So many memories over so many years! What a huge hole we now have in our family. Aunt Vera has already turned in her harp for an accordion, I'll...Read More » ”
3 of 6 | Posted by: Susan Peters

“Aunt Elvera was the glue of the family. She taught us to laugh, love, dance and be a family NO MATTER WHAT. She was truly a great woman in her own...Read More » ”
4 of 6 | Posted by: Jane - Phoenix, AZ - niece

“Aunt Elvera always, always made me feel special. She was gracious and would remember every birthday and Christmas and anniversary. She even sent me...Read More » ”
5 of 6 | Posted by: Dale (Junge) Giannatasio - NC

“Brian & Family -- She was such a caring & talented human person... I good go on forever about all the GOOD times I and many others from the...Read More » ”
6 of 6 | Posted by: Ruth Ann (Hacker) Hanft - IL


Elvera Emilie, nee Junge, Mahan, 90, of New Athens, IL; born January 21, 1922 in Baldwin, IL; passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2012 at the Red Bud Regional Hospital.
Mrs. Mahan was a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked at the New Athens Home for the Aged for 25 years. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Baldwin, IL. Elvera was a well-known accordion player having played at numerous area wedding and anniversary dances for over 30 years. The 3-piece country western band she belonged to was the Okaw Valley Ramblers or also known as Vera's Group. Her signature song was "Out Behind the Barn". She loved her many years of singing, playing and entertaining.
She was preceded in death by her parents – Henry and Caroline, nee Luebkemann, Junge. Her daughter – Diane Zinkhon. Her brothers – Vernon Junge; Edgar Junge. Her sisters – Edna Junge; Emma Tillock; Melba Ferlisi.
She is survived by her husband Russell D. Mahan whom she married on June 26, 1943 in St. Louis, MO. Her son – Brian (Carol) Mahan of New Athens, IL. Grandchildren – Catherine (Shane) Matsumoto; David (Amy) Zinkhon; Rachel Mahan; Emily (Caleb) Riggs. Great grandchildren – Clara; Dharma; Zuzu; Grace and Elizabeth.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of her daughter Diane or to St. John Lutheran Church.

Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm and at St. John Lutheran Church in Baldwin, IL on Thursday, September 27, 2012 from 9:00am to 11:00am.

Funeral: Services will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in Baldwin, IL on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 11:00am with Pastor John Taggatz officiating.

Interment: Burial will be held at the St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Baldwin, IL.