Mr. DeMestri recorded the history of Belleville as the chief photographer for the Belleville News Democrat for 62 years. He was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL, a member of the Belleville Swansea Moose Lodge, and a member of the T&T Golf League. Bill was a World War II U.S. Army-Air Corps veteran.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Arlene C., nee Houba, DeMestri, whom he married on June 11, 1955, and who died on November 2, 2016; his parents, Frank and Margaret, nee Nichols, DeMestri; a brother, Henry DeMestri; and four sisters, Catherine Hill, Mary Keller, Jean Moyer, and Margaret Brestal.
Surviving are his daughter, Cindy (Jeff) Heidorn of Belleville, IL;
two grandchildren, Jeffrey W. and Jessica A. Heidorn, both of Belleville, IL;
and nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice or to St. Paul United Church of Christ. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, August 14, 2017, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Linda Reynolds officiating.
Burial with military honors will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.