Gerald Vonderheide

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Gerald Russell “Gunny” Vonderheide, 68, of Swansea, IL, born February 16, 1949, in Red Bud, IL, died Friday, June 23, 2017, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville, IL.

Gunny was a proud United States Marine Corp Veteran, having served in the Vietnam War. He then became an Army Reservist and was called back to active duty for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mr. Vonderheide retired from the Belleville Fire Department and Veterans Administration and was proud of both careers. He was a member of the Smithton Sportsman Club, the Swansea Moose Lodge 1221, and a lifetime member of the Millstadt VFW Post 7980.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert C. Vonderheide; and a sister, Lillian E. Thornburg.

Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Carol, nee Bechtoldt, Vonderheide, whom he married on August 4, 1969;
his mother, Frieda, nee Hackmann, Brunson of Jacksonville, FL;
a son, Matt (Cindy) Vonderheide of Hitchcock, TX;
four daughters, Dawn (Doug) West of Belleville, IL, Jessica Vonderheide of Belleville, IL, Nichole Vonderheide of Millstadt, IL, and Stephanie Vonderheide of Osceola, AR;
15 grandchildren;
three great-grandchildren;
and three step-sisters.

Memorials may be made to the PTSD Foundation of America or to the Illinois Job’s Daughters Bethel 24. 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, June 26, 2017 at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 27, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Stephen Greer officiating.

 Burial with military honors will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

Condolences Left For Gerald Vonderheide

I knew Gerald,Lillian,Robert,and Frieda,from my “growing up”years in good ol’ Lenzburg Il. My condolences to his family. I would go to pay my respecats on Monday,but I’must recovering from a nasty virus.

Karen Hood Putman, Fairview HeightsI, Illinois, 62208


Sorry For Your Loss. Please accept this electronic message in lieu of a Sympathy Card. Local National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) volunteers provide help in reporting the death of any federal civilian retiree or a retiree’s spouse to proper authorities. They will explain the process as needed and if requested, can report the death to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM 888-767-6738) for you. The NARFE Service Center is located in the Civilian Personnel Office, building 50, 201 W Winter St, Scott AFB. You may visit the Service Center on Tuesdays, 10AM to 2PM or call 618-256-9350. You may leave a voice mail message at other times and we will return your call the following Tuesday. You may also call either of our Service Officers, Dean Hemmer at 618 233-3819 or Gene Wiggins at 618 566-7980, for immediate assistance if required.

Gene Wiggins NARFE Chap. 1019, Mascoutah, IL, 62258-1318


Carol and kids,
We are deeply saddened and our hearts are heavy with the news of Gunny’s passing. We send our love and condolences to all of you. Per Gunny’s wishes a donation was made to the PTSD Foundation of America.
We love and miss all of you.
Eric

Eric, Sun, Jessica & Ariel Witcher, Palm Bay, FL, 32909


Carol and family,
So so sorry for your loss. We both have such wonderful memories of Gunny. Sympathies to you all.
Paula and Robert

Paula and Robert Gallagher, Belleville, IL, 62220


Sorry to be unable to attend as we are out of state with granddaughter commitment at this time. Spent many times growing up with Gerald hunting, fishing and having a good time bonding with both our dads. Especially remember turkey shoots at Checker Sportsmans Club. A great cousin and patriotic American will be sadly missed. Our prayers are with your entire family. God bless. Bob

Robert & Sharon Moore, Cahokia, Illinois , 62206


I was saddened to read of Gerald’s passing, I have many memories from when we were younger. We attended church and confirmation classes together as well as school in Marissa. Gerald was always saying and doing funny things, I remember going to Howard Johnson after a trip to Eden Seminary with our confirmation class, we all ordered cheeseburgers he ordered a peachy burger, he ate it with gusto. Very nice guy. You all have my sympathy.

Kathy (Frisch) Bell , Waterloo, Il, 62298


Carol. It is so hard to write this note, Gunny, you, Ron and I shared so many good times and of course shared our grandchildren and your wonderful daughter. Gunny was so giving and loving and spent many hours working for the Veterans. My heart and love go out to you and your whole family who I have watched grow up throughout the years. Gunny was so proud of his children and grandchildren and of course loved you with all his heart. You and his family were his whole world. I love you Carol.

Sue Beckett Kempf, St. Louis, MO, 63129


Carol and family I am so sorry to hear about gunny passing.he was a very good friend my my mom’s.

Mark E Elliott, Belleville, IL, 62220


MAY THE LORD COMFORT YOU DURING THIS TIME OF LOSS. JERRY IS IN A BETTER PLACE. AN ANGEL HAS BEEN LIFTED UP TO THE HEAVENS. HE IS NOW WATCHING OVER ALL HIS LOVED ONES, HE WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE WITH YOU, IN YOUR HEART, MIND AND SPIRIT.

WITH LOVE,
BONNIE AND TIM

TIMOTHY & BONNIE WEBB, HITCHCOCK, TX. , 77563


Carol & Family,

We are sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. I used to be Mary Ann Morgan and my daughter Teresa always enjoyed being with your daughters when they were all young. I’m now remarried to Tom and he and I would oftentimes in recent years talk to Jessie at Steak ‘N Shake and hear how your family was doing.

Sincerely,

Mary Ann & Tom Koziacki

Mary Ann Koziacki, Belleville, Illinois, 62226


Please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your Dad. An angel watches over you now

Shannon & Ron Hummert, belleville, Illinois, 62221


You were the glue tgat held me together in Iraq. You were Like a dad my entire tenure with you in 969th and I will never forget you. You also helped my dad receive his VA 100 per Disability after years of Vietnam and now it after his death still takes care of my mom for that I will never forget. Im indebted to you and I’ll see you in Heaven. Love you Gunny

Elissa Ann Boudreaux (Barnes), Baton Rouge, La, 70811


We send our deepest and most heartfelt prayers for you and your family. You will truly be missed by all. From your girls, Rae, Kylie, Sarah, Cathy, Cierra from Leisure Time Pools

Leisure Time Pools, Swansea, IL, 62226

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1 Comment on Gerald Vonderheide

Michael Carter said : Guest Report Aug 18, 2017 at 10:38 PM

Carol, I was saddened to hear of Gunny's passing. He was a great guy. We had many good times at the V and he will be missed. Semper Fi!

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