William “Bill” Meirink

William “Bill” Meirink
Print Obituary
William Michael “Bill” Meirink, 54, of Swansea, IL, born April 16, 1962, in Belleville, IL, went to join his maker Saturday, January 7, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family.  He fought a courageous battle with cancer that may have taken his body, but not his spirit or his faith.

Bill graduated from Althoff Catholic High School in 1980 and then from Ranken Technical College.  Bill was a member of IBEW Local 309 and was a retired electrician from O’Fallon Electric.  He was also an active member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish.

Bill loved life above all else. He loved his family, the outdoors, his sports teams, and his music. He had an energy about him that drew everyone near him. He was one of those rare souls that truly enjoyed each day. He saw beauty all around him, shown by one of his favorite sayings, “You don’t have to go far to enjoy nature”.

An avid outdoorsman, Bill canoed the boundary waters, fly fished the Yellowstone River, and hiked the Superior Ridge Line. He also enjoyed countless camping, fishing, and hiking trips locally and never missed an opportunity to wet a line at Bauman Pond.

Bill loved his sports teams: Cardinals, Blues, Illini, Salukis, and any team his kids were playing on. He coached many of them and enjoyed every minute. He was a true fan. Bill also loved his music and would tell anyone within an arm’s distance about John Prine. A favorite pastime of his was listening to music while enjoying the company of family and friends on the back porch, more often than not with a fire going.

No one was a stranger to Bill. He stopped and talked to everyone. He was genuinely interested in everyone’s story, always asking about their families and interests, including the people he met at Siteman Treatment Center. He would make sure he knew everyone’s name so he could pray for them, which he did, daily.  He taught us all how to live, love, and pray.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Henry and Frances Emily, nee Dadara, Meirink.

Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Anne Marie, nee Waller, Meirink, whom he married November 27, 1981. She was the love of his life that he called “his everything”.
Also surviving are his children, Erin (Luke) Bauman, Emily (Stewart) Schutte,
Andrew (Natalie Wipperman) Meirink,
Adam Meirink, Evan Meirink, and Abbey Meirink;
his grandchildren, Eliana and William Schutte,
Emma and Ava Bauman, and baby on the way;
three sisters, Diane (Ken) Diekemper, Marcia (Gary) Tappella, and Teresa (John) Kondracki;
a brother, Edward Meirink;
and numerous aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law and sisters in-law,  nieces, and nephews.

The family would like to thank the nurses at Siteman, including Jennifer, Kim, Mary, Kathy, Lindsay, and Rochelle, as well as his doctor, Dr. Craig Lockhart, for their compassionate care. We also thank all those who prayed for him, brought food, sent cards, and supported him at Glory Days, his first pitch at the Cardinals game, and all other events. All efforts were greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Abbey Meirink’s educational fund, IBEW Local 309 disabled workers fund, or Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation:  Friends may visit with the family from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 12, 2017, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Friday, January 13, 2017, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.

Funeral:  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, January 13, 2017, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. Jack McEvilly officiating.

Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

Condolences Left For William “Bill” Meirink

To Anne Marie and family,
My heart aches for you and the loss that you are feeling. Bill is in a beautiful place I believe but we who are left back and must feel the pain of this loss. I hope that the love of your beautiful family and spirit of Bill that is ALWAYS with you will give you strength. Hold on tight to all your wonderful memories that bring you happiness. Hugs to you. God Bless.

Christy Hogan Shimono, Fresno, CA, 93720


I went to grade school with Bill, and graduated with him from Cathedral. and because of different courses in which our live took us, I hadn’t seen him in many years. But he was the kind of guy whose impression remains with you forever. My prayers and condolences to his wife, kids, grandkids, family and friends.

Gary McCoy, Belleville, Illinois, 62223


Dear Anne,
God bless you.May He take care of you as you and your family have faithfully followed His ways. One thing I know: you will comfort and care for each other.
Jane

Jane Spreng, Belleville, IL, 62221


I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a great guy. His attitude and joy of life always made me appreciate life more fully. I don’t believe I ever saw him down.
I was unable to attend the visitation due to babysitting duties, but I would love to contribute to Abbey’s college fund. If you would email me an address to send it to, I will gladly help. I’m sure Bill would be pleased.

Jonathan Meyer, Columbia , Illinois, 62236


Dear Anne and Family,
My prayers are with your entire family. Even though I hadn’t seen Bill in over 35 years, I still remember him as a very good man and friend. We attended Althoff and were the same year. Bill was always one who would support me and could always be counted on. I moved out west after HS to join the Navy, , but I can still remember Bill and thought of him often. I will pray for you in that you find strength during this time and also for your future. I will think of Bill when I am outdoors and remember to say a special prayer for your family. Peace

Scott Roth, Benicia, Ca, 94510


Our son,John Stauder, our son, lliving in Utah,was a classmate of Ed and a friend of Bill. He would like to express his sorrow of Bill’s passing to his family and his extended families.
Mrs. Robert Stauder

John stauder, Swansea, Il, 62226

Condolences:

Add Public Condolence

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked.