Josephine A Lienemann, April 24, 1921 — March 15, 2019

Josephine A. Lienemann, age 97, of Edwardsville, Illinois, died at 11:19 a.m. Friday, March 15, 2019, at her home. Josephine was born in Waasmunster, Belgium, on April 24, 1921, the daughter of the late Alfred & Coleta (Pringels) Smet. In her early years Josephine worked as a dental assistant in Antwerp, Belgium.

In February of 1942 at the age of 20, Josephine was taken from her family to Dachau Concentration Camp. She was imprisoned for four years. Following her release, she was employed by the Red Cross where she met her husband, a U.S. Army veteran.

She married Elvin W. Lienemann in Frankfurt, Germany. He preceded her in death. She later worked at the Anna Henry Nursing Home and as a correctional officer at the Madison County Juvenile Detention Center retiring in 1983 after 21 years.

Josephine is survived by 1 son Robert (Janice) Lienemann of Granite City; 3 daughters, Shirley Bates of Decatur, Illinois, Sandra Knight of Benld, Illinois, and Renee (Richard) Stephenson of Glen Carbon; 12 Grandchildren, Danny, Matthew, Christopher, Denny, Travis, Tonya, Joshua, Kacey, Stacy, Misty, Kenneth & Shana; 30 great grandchildren, Sean, Zachary, Mattison, Sydney, Wyatt, JoAnne, Abel, Elsie, Austin, Gary, Jaci, Kalene, Savannah, Tessa, Tylor, Dustin, Chelsea, Brooklynne, Michael, III, Cody, Kylie, Michael, Tyler, Matthew, Robert, Brittany, Derek, Lakesi, Courtney, and Kaitlyn; 13 great-great grandchildren; Jaxson, Kayden Mariska, Karter, Kenley, Micah, Kaleb, Bentley, Brailey, Carter, Colby, Paislee, Olive, and Cayson; a sister-in-law, Annie Van Herch; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Alan Lienemann; a son-in-law, Mike Knight; 7 sisters, Ivonna DeKimpe, Josepha C. Smet, Marie DeWilda, Jan LePaige, Julia DeBlock, Anna Mora and Martha Fierens; and 3 brothers, Marcel, George, and Dormimucus Smet. Josephine was a member of Eden United Church of Christ, the Main Street Community Center, and a volunteer for the Glen-Ed Pantry.

There is no visitation. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Salem Cemetery in Alhambra.

Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice. Weber & Rodney Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Josephine A. Lienemann please visit our Sympathy Store.

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