James E. Vierheller, 93, of Belleville, IL, born November 3, 1925, in Belleville, IL, passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL.
Jim was an electrician for 43 years and a 72-year member of IBEW Local One. He retired in 1989 from Environmental Electric, in St. Louis, MO. He was a World War II United States Navy veteran and served on the USS Benner. Jim was awarded the Victory Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and the American Campaign Medal. He was a member of St. Teresa Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, the Millstadt VFW Post 7980, and the Belleville Wood Carvers. He enjoyed sailing, camping, wood carving, and was an avid reader. Jim accomplished many good things in life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo A. and Matilda K., nee Kloess, Vierheller; his beloved sister, Marianne Oughton; two brothers, Anthony Vierheller and John Vierheller; a niece and Goddaughter, Barbara Gantner; and a nephew and Godson, Mel Pfeffer;
Surviving are his wife of 69 1/2 years, Myrt , nee Cortner, Vierheller, whom he married on July 30, 1949 in Belleville, IL;
one daughter, Nancy Ann McNay;
one son, Bruce J. (Catherine) Vierheller;
a “bonus daughter”, Karen Pfeffer Schwarze;
eight nieces;
two nephews;
many great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews;
and furry canine companion, Buster.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vitas Hospice, the Disabled American Veterans or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. David Darin officiating.
Burial with full military honors will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.