William Koerner

William H. Koerner, passed away on Monday, April 12, 2021, at his home in Shiloh at the age of 85.  Bill was born May 17, 1935, in Belleville, IL.  On June 27, 1953, he married Rose Helen Vernier and together they raised two children.  Bill worked for Illinois Central Gulf Railroad for 38 years before he retired.  He loved fishing, boating, and camping, and was a talented craftsman, wood worker and mechanic.  There was nothing he could not fix.  Bill loved to help others and was always willing to lend a hand to neighbors, friends, and family.  Most of all he was a loving husband, father, “papa,” uncle, and brother. He was a dear friend to all that knew him. He will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Evelyn (Meyer) Koerner; a brother, Larry Koerner; and a sister, Jacquelyn Christ.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rose Helen Vernier Koerner; two children, Dennis (Fini) Koerner and Sharon (Larry) Carrico; two brothers, John (Jan) Koerner and Bob Koerner; five grandchildren, Finy (Matt) Shirley, Dennis (Meredith) Koerner, Steven Carrico, Nicki (Andrew Fouratt) Carrico, and Kelly (Doug) Martin. He had 10 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 16, 2021, at St. Henry’s Catholic Church in Belleville, IL, with Rev. Kenneth York officiating. A visitation will be held at the church before mass from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Shiloh, IL.