Albert Earl Cloninger

Albert Earl Cloninger, age 72, of Pittsfield, IL formally of Godfrey, IL passed away on July 3, 2023, at the Liberty Village in Pittsfield, IL.  Albert was born on January 17, 1951, to O. E. and Venettia Seeman Cloninger in Pittsfield, IL.  He married Nina Wildhagen on August 22, 1970, and she preceded him in death on January 13, 1998.

Albert graduated from high school and enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. where he served his country in Okinawa and California statewide. He was a Military Police Sgt. until his honorable discharge in 1975.  Albert then moved to Godfrey and started his career as a Deputy Sheriff for the Madison County Sherriff’s Dept for over 11 years.  Albert had developed a brain tumor in 1986 and was out of work for one year but was able to go back to the Sherriff’s Dept. for several more years before his health would not allow him to work.  Albert went to live with his parents who became his caretakers for 20 years before he and his mother moved into Liberty Village.  He was well taken care of and loved by all who knew him. In earlier years he enjoyed fishing, watching The Golden Girls and continued to be an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. Albert was a bit of a jokester and always had a smile on his face and a contagious laugh.  He was a member of the Pearl Church of Christ.

Albert is survived by his father O.E. Cloninger of Nebo, IL; children, John Cloninger of Brighton, IL and Rachel Cloninger of Napa, California; one brother, Randy (Ruby) Cloninger of Nebo, IL; one sister, Cindy Shaw of Pittsfield, IL; nephew Evan (Liz) Moss and great nieces Autumn Moss and Grace Moss.

He was preceded in death by his mother Venettia, wife Nina, in-laws, Lois and Irvin Wildhagen.

Graveside services will be held on Friday July 7, 2023, at 11:00AM at the Bethany Cemetery in Godfrey, IL.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 8:30AM – 9:00AM followed by Military Honors at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL.  In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Bethany Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left at www.nieburfh.com Niebur Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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