Marion Velloff

Marion Stephan Velloff, 82, died on January 2, 2018 in Alton, Illinois.  Born September 13, 1935 in Alton, he was the son of Marion and Agnes (Budde) Velloff.  He married the love of his life, Anita Horn on June 7, 1958 at Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church. They shared 58 years of marriage.  He is survived by three children, Steven Velloff and wife Constance Currie of Key West, FL, Julie Brown and husband Gary of Godfrey, and Nancy Elizondo and husband Jose’ of Idaho Falls, ID; six grandchildren, Marie, Benjamin and Samuel Brown, Adam, Sarah and Sally Elizondo, two step-grandchildren, Staci Bailey and Anthony Elizondo, a sister, Pauline Rathgeb of Alton, a brother Michael (Terrah) of Godfrey, a brother Thomas (Carole) of Dallas, Texas, and a brother Christopher (Sharon) of Godfrey as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  Along with his wife, he was preceded in death by a son, David, a brother, James (Rita), and his parents. Marion enrolled in St Louis University after graduating from Marquette High School in 1953. With no car and little money, Marion commuted to school by finding rides or hitchhiking. He graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry and went on to earn his Masters.  All four of Marion’s younger brothers followed him, graduating from St Louis University.  Marion taught high school chemistry for nearly four decades.  He began at Jerseyville High School and soon transferred to Alton High School, where he stayed for over 35 years.  He taught thousands of students, many of whom went on to be our doctors, nurses, engineers, and teachers. Marion’s love of education extended beyond school; he was often at his kitchen table tutoring his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.In 1969, Marion and his brother Jim opened Velloff’s Power Equipment on State Street in Alton, also known as the “Lawn Mower Shop”.  For 45 years, the shop served as a place where family members and friends could stop by, have a cup of bad coffee, and spend time together. He met thousands of people in the community while repairing lawn mowers alongside his brother and best friend, Jim. Marion enjoyed spending time with his family.  He enjoyed family vacations, oftentimes with his siblings’ families, to go camping, fishing, and exploring. Marion could be found on Saturdays at Sts Peter and Paul church with his siblings, out to dinner with them afterwards, and again at his sister Pauline’s house on Sunday mornings.  The person he enjoyed the most was his wonderful wife, Anita.  They met soon after high school and were together most of their lives.  Marion was a dedicated husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, teacher and friend to all. A Rosary service will be held at 3:30 p.m. followed by visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday, January 7, 2018 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton.  A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 8, 2018 at Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church.  Father Jason Stone will officiate.  Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at http://act.alz.org/goto/marionvelloffor to “Friends in Need” at Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church.  Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

Obit Provided By:
Gent Funeral Home