Nadine Emma Risley

Nadine Emma (Wilde) Risley, 80, of Breese, Illinois, formerly, of Zeigler, Illinois, passed away at 6:42 a.m., Friday, March 6, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Nadine was born on October 19, 1945, in Columbia, Illinois, to Elmer and Hilda (Gurtherz) Wilde. She married Randall Risley on December 21, 1968, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Columbia.

Nadine was a graduate of Columbia High School. Upon graduating, Nadine attended Southern Illinois University- Carbondale, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Special Education. Nadine devoted her life to teaching and taught her entire 39-year career in the Elverado School District, starting in 1967 and retiring in 2006.

The majority of Nadine's career was teaching in a "Resource Room," an educational environment providing specialized individual and small group instruction where there was a need. She retired as the district's Title 1 Reading Specialist. Nadine also served the school and its students as sponsors of the Beta Club and Quiz Bowl, both of which won numerous events and recognition.

Nadine was very active in the Elverado Education Association, Illinois Education Association, National Education Association, and NEA Retired Teachers. She served as an officer at several levels and was a regular representative at State and National Conventions.

Nadine was a skilled and passionate educator and generations of young people benefited from her teaching.

Nadine is survived by her husband, Randall "Randy" Risley; daughter, Catherine Risley-Gass; son-in-law, Brian Gass; grandson, Dansby Judge Gass; nephew, Nick Katchur.

She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Marlene (Wilde) Katchur.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Vantrease-Pyle Funeral Home in Zeigler. Graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Mt. Evergreen Cemetery in Millstadt.

Memorial contributions may be to Elverado Education Foundation or to the Millstadt American Legion Auxiliary Post #581. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home the day of the visitation.