Elmer F. Koke

Elmer F. Koke, age 93, of Modoc, IL, formerly of Collinsville, IL, born on July 16, 1932, in Old Berlin, IL, died on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Red Bud Regional Hospital.

Elmer was a Korean War Army Veteran.  He owned and operated Koke’s Barbershop in Washington Park, IL for 18 years.  He later operated a Moto Gas Station in Granite City, IL.  Elmer was the “Mayor” of Phegley’s Resort.  He loved the outdoors, fishing and BSing.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Judy Balsters; his son, Brian Koke; his parents, Clarence and Ruth, nee Williamson Koke; and his sister, Martha (Louis) Forsyth; and his brothers, Thomas (Rita) Koke and Clarence W. “Bill” Koke.

Elmer is survived by his children, Marla (Matt) Talley, Gregg (Ashley) Koke, Lisa (Gregg) Bohnenstiehl, Phillip (Marty) Koke, and Michelle (Kelly) Brown; 18 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; his sister, Mabel (George) Forsyth; numerous nieces and nephews; and his dear friends at Phegley’s Resort.

In Elmer’s honor, please donate to the charity of your choice in Elmer’s name.

A Celebration of Elmer’s Life will be held at a later date as well as burial of his cremated remains at Old Berlin Cemetery, Berlin, IL.  

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