Ardell Becherer

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Ardell John “Ardie” Becherer, 85, of Smithton, IL, passed away surrounded by his family on September 29, 2021, from cancer and Alzheimer’s.

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.

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10 Comments on Ardell Becherer

Rita Billhartz said : Guest Report Oct 12, 2021 at 11:01 PM

My sincerest sympathy is being sent to you, Mary Ann, and to your family. Ardie's passing brings fond memories of when we joined the two of you at the bingo. We didn't win much but we sure had good times!! Thinking of you. Rita

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Jim Arey said : Guest Report Oct 05, 2021 at 5:52 PM

Mary Ann - I was so sorry toe learn today of the passing of Ardell and, also, sorry I wasn't able to attend the funeral. Please accept my deepest sympathies and know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I am remembering all the good times we shared years ago.

  • Dorsey
  • Illinois
Jim Arey said : Guest Report Oct 05, 2021 at 5:36 PM

Mary Ann, I was so sorry to read today of the passing of Ardell and, also, sorry I was unable to attend the funeral. Please accept my deepest sympathies for your family's loss and know you are in my thoughts and prayers.. I am remembering all the good times we shared together years ago.

  • Dorsey
  • Illinois
Jim & Carol Cange said : Guest Report Oct 05, 2021 at 11:51 AM

We are so sorry for your loss. Ardie was a great man and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Nashville
  • Il
Jebb Balch said : Guest Report Oct 04, 2021 at 12:26 PM

Our deepest condolences to NaryAnn and family on the passing of Ardie. He always had a smile and was quick to share a laugh. Rest In Peace.

  • Smithton
  • Illinois
Lou&Ruth Billhartz said : Guest Report Oct 03, 2021 at 11:01 PM

Mary Ann. We are so sorry for your loss . We are glad we became friends of you and Ardie. Have good memories of our St.Teresa’s friends,

  • Belleville
  • Ills
Connie Jean Goyda said : Guest Report Oct 02, 2021 at 9:43 AM

Joan Lauff always spoke about her brother and what a great guy he was to everyone. I only met him a fee times and he was always very happy nice and kind.

  • Belleville
  • I l
Norma and Rich Brune said : Guest Report Oct 01, 2021 at 11:28 AM

No words can express our sadness at Ardie’s death, perhaps the knowledge that he has attained our life’s hope of life eternal, may help us. He will be sorely missed by those who loved him so! 💕🙏🏻💕

  • Millstadt
  • Il
Tommie Kraft said : Guest Report Oct 01, 2021 at 8:56 AM

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!

  • Glencoe
  • MO
Diane Sweeney said : Guest Report Sep 30, 2021 at 7:05 PM

We are so very sorry for your loss. Your dad always had a smile on his face and I know he loved his family fiercely.

  • Millstadt
  • Il

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