EAST ST. LOUIS — Prudential Insurance is asking the federal court to determine a death benefit payout dispute involving a widow and her late husband's children.
The Prudential Insurance Company of America filed a complaint Oct. 29 in the U.S District Court for the Southern District of Illinois East St. Louis Division against Lavon Kayser, Kelly Wilhelm, Johns Wilhelm and Edward Kayser.
According to the plaintiff's complaint, Prudential issued a family whole life insurance policy to Albert Kayser in September 1956, which included life insurance on him and his former wife Rosalie. Prudential alleges a beneficiary change was made to designate his new wife Lavon as primary beneficiary and his children as co-contingent beneficiaries. Albert Kayser then died on Jan. 17, 2020.
Prudential alleges that $19,272.50 became due. Then on Feb. 6, 2020, Kelly and John Wilhelm filed a claim for herself, her husband and brother, alleging they paid for Albert Kayser's funeral expenses. However, Lavon Kayser is seeking receipt of the full death benefit.
Prudential is requesting the court determine to whom the benefits should be paid.
Prudential seeks monetary and all other just relief. It is represented by Heather Erickson of Sanchez Daniels & Hoffman LLP in Chicago.
U.S District Court for the Southern District of Illinois East St. Louis Division case number 21-CV-1367