William Stephens
William J. Stephens, 89, of Freeburg, IL, born August 6, 1923, in DuQuoin, IL, died Wednesday, August 15, 2012, at his residence.
Mr. Stephens was a retired coal miner. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Freeburg, IL. Bill was a World War II U.S. Army veteran.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Theo, nee Todd, Stephens, whom he married July 1, 1950, and who died June 29, 2010; a son, Michael Stephens; his parents, Otto and Josephine, nee Bann, Stephens; three brothers, Harry Stephens, Tim Stephens, and Patrick Stephens, in infancy; and three sisters, Joanna Emling, Alice Marie Zoeckler, and Helen Presswood.
Surviving are three sons and a daughter, Todd (Judy) Stephens and Daniel (Sandy) Stephens, both of New Athens, IL,
Kathy (Bill) Bruno of Freeburg, IL,
and Anthony (Donna) Stephens of New Athens, IL;
16 grandchildren, Michael (Nikki) Stephens, Jamie and Joie Stephens,
Ben (Krystal) Stephens, Sarah (Mark) Gagen,
Jenny Stephens (friend, Brandon Prestin), Lindsay (Dan) Classen,
Steve (Stacy) Bruno, Tyler Stephens, Kayla Lappe, Danielle Stephens,
Joshua and Zach Stephens, and Aimee, Christy, and Alex Stephens;
16 great-grandchildren, Bly, Blake, Brandon, Kayla,
Nathan, Alyssa, Jordan, Christopher, Faith,
Sebastian, Jason, Oliver, Tate,
Dax, Taylor, and Finnley;
and nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, August 17, 2012, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, August 18, 2012, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Freeburg, IL.
Funeral: A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 17, 2012, at the funeral home, with Father Mark Reyling officiating.
Burial with military honors will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery, Freeburg, IL.
