Born in Belleville, IL on July 25, 1936, he was a graduate of Cathedral Catholic High School. He married MaryAnn, nee Lauff, Becherer on April 24, 1957, in Belleville, IL, and was a proud union carpenter from 1959 until his retirement in 1998. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Paderborn, IL.
To know Ardie was to love him. He was a man of strong faith and integrity who loved God, his family, and friends. A loving husband and an amazing father and grandfather, he was humble, kind and had a smile for everyone. He loved to play the harmonica with his family and enjoyed playing baseball, softball, corkball, volleyball, and bowling. He also had loved to coach his children’s sports teams. Ardie was proud of his children and grandchildren and attended all their school activities and sporting events. He was a master carpenter and was able to fix just about anything. It wasn’t uncommon to see Ardie arrive in his truck with his tools and tool belt on, ready to fix or lend a helping hand to his children, family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Bertha, nee Schaefer, Becherer; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John and Alice, nee Simpson, Lauff; two brothers, Cletus Becherer and Norman (Dorothy) Becherer; a sister, Bertina (Richard) Davis; two sisters-in-law, Myra Jean (Leon) Mueller and Joan Lauff.
In addition to his beloved wife of 64 years, he is survived by his children, Michael (Carla) Becherer of Columbia, IL, Laurie (David) Mestel of Mt. Vernon, IL, Connie Becherer of Smithton, IL, Judy (John) Glaeser of Millstadt, IL, and Susie (Dave) Kossina of Millstadt, IL; his grandchildren, David “DJ” Mestel, Emily (Sean) Decker, Katrina Mestel, Kelsey (Dustin) Viviano, Steven and Veronica Becherer, Logan (Rachel Webb), Luke and Lance Glaeser, Tony (Cailee Cox), Cal, Joey and Kaytie Kossina; and great-grandchildren, Maddy Glenn, London and Kaegan Mestel, Gwen, William, Dorothy and Joseph Decker, and Brooklyn Cox and Everlee Kossina; a sister-in-law, Esther Becherer; a brother-in-law, Dale Lauff; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sandy and Jack Weck; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Well done good and faithful servant.
The family would like to thank Freeburg Care Center and Hospice of Southern Illinois for their care and support.
Memorials may be made to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Paderborn, IL, or the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be expressed online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, October 3, 2021, a rosary service will be held at 7:30 p.m., at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, October 4, 2021, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Paderborn, IL. Standard CDC guidelines will be followed, including masks and social distancing.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 4, 2021, at St. Michael Catholic Church, Paderborn, IL, with Father Jim Voelker officiating. Burial to follow at St. Michael Cemetery, Paderborn, IL.