Lorraine Zierrath

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Lorraine Charles “Charlie” Zierrath, 90, of Belleville, IL, died Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at the Dammert Geriatric Center, National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL.

Mr. Zierrath was born on July 8, 1932, in East St. Louis, IL, the son of Lorraine Charles Sr. and Eleanor, nee Taylor, Zierrath. He graduated from Central Catholic High School and joined the United States Navy serving on the USS Delta in the Korean War. Charlie worked as a mail carrier at the United States Postal Service Belleville branch #155 and retired after 25 years of service. He was a member of St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, where he was a longtime usher and called Bingo on Friday nights. Mr. Zierrath belonged to the St. Clair County Serra Club, the Knights of Columbus Council #1038, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1739.  He was known as “Uncle Charlie” to many, and always had a smile and a joke. Charlie had a cheerful demeanor and was a kind, caring man who lived his faith and was devoted to his family and friends.

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Shirley, nee Schmidt, Zierrath; his parents, a sister, Rosemary Zipfel; two nephews, Michael and Matthew Zipfel; and a great-nephew, Tim Venhaus.

Surviving are a sister, Judy A. (Edward) DeFrias of Portsmouth, NH; six nieces, Lynn Venhaus of St. Louis, MO, Julie (Dean) Modde of Fort Mill, SC, Mary Clare (Ken) Gastro of Woodland Hills, CA, Diane (Jim) Homet of Portsmouth, N.H., Debra (Bill) Vien of Williston, VT, Susan Fonner of San Diego, CA; a nephew, John (Jenn) DeFrias of Manchester, N.H.; great-nephews; great-nieces; and many other relatives and friends.

The family would like to give special thanks to the compassionate caregivers at Bradford Place Assisted Living in Swansea, IL, Dammert Geriatric Center at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, and to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or the Benedictine Living Community At The Shrine. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 17, 2022, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, July 18, 2022, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 18, 2022, at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating.  Burial will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

 

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7 Comments on Lorraine Zierrath

David B Goedde said : Guest Report Jul 21, 2022 at 3:12 PM

On behalf of the Goedde Family, we extend our deepest sympathy.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Connie Jean Goyda said : Guest Report Jul 16, 2022 at 4:00 PM

Charlie was always such a kind, caring person. He was one of our best ushers at church. He and Shirley worked with my mother and dad on committees throughout the years. He was always ready with a good joke. You have my sympathy on your loss. RIP Charlie!

  • Belleville
  • Il
Mary/Ray (Hebenstreit)Preusser said : Guest Report Jul 15, 2022 at 2:54 PM

Dear Lynn & Family, I have such fond memories of Uncle Charlie during my high school years. And yes, remember all his jokes! He and his sister, Rosemary, were so kind and dear to me, as well as the rest of the family. Even though all the years have passed, they will always have a special place in my heart! Julie was right he made it to his 90th..must have been that deep intuition. My deepest sympathy to all of you and may all your memories give you peace!

  • Swansea
  • Illinois
Mark A Eros said : Guest Report Jul 14, 2022 at 12:52 PM

Lynn & Family, My Dad was a Letter Carrier with "Chuck' Zierath at the Bellevue Plaza Post office as well as the Belleville Main Posr Office. I recall many times being in the company of Your Uncle & Aunt. Labor Day PArade & Picnic, the Letter Carrier Picnic, and St Augustine Wuestmarkt to name a few. A Wonderful Catholic man , which is an inspiration for us all. May God be with you and yours.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Kyle Gordon said : Guest Report Jul 14, 2022 at 8:33 AM

Grandpa Charlie and Granga were like grandparents to me and Becky’s close friends. They were so welcoming and caring to us all. I know they loved us all. I know they especially loved their seven grandchildren and great grandchildren. Oh the great memories we all had together! Rest In Peace Grandpa Charlie. I know you're dancing again with Granga and having a special chat with John.

  • Swansea
  • Illinois
Becky Sexton said : Guest Report Jul 13, 2022 at 10:17 PM

Grampa Charlie was the sweeetest, most generous, kindest man I’ve ever known. He also had a great sense of humor and always had a smile on his face. I will honor him by living my life to the fullest, helping others, and being positive. He was a second dad to me and I will never forget him. Rest in Heaven, Grampa! Say hi to Granga for me. I love you always! Love, your granddaughter, Becky

  • Belleville
  • IL
Jennifer Gilmore said : Guest Report Jul 13, 2022 at 8:42 PM

Grandpa Charlie, you were one of a kind and did the best that you could for us Grand kids. We always loved you and appreciated everything that you did for us growing up and later on in life. No one can take that away from us or the countless memories, stories, family gatherings, birthdays holidays, mini trips and barbecues we would have together. Or how much you helped Lucas and I after Gronga passed and the cards we would send back and forth to one another just giving each other life updates or just Happy Birthdays. I will miss those. I wish that we could of spent more time together before you left but life as we well know gets in the way. Rest easy now. Love, your Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren always.

  • O'fallon
  • IL

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