WILLISVILLE – Lester Gerlach, 91, of Willisville passed away on March 27, 2017, at the St. Louis University Hospital, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Lester was born on February 18, 1926, in Campbell Hill, the son of August R. and Hilda (Niederbrach) Gerlach. Lester served in the U.S. Army during WWII, he married Mary L. Bigham, on December 23, 1948, in Randolph County, Illinois, and they shared nearly 62 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on November 12, 2010.

Lester was retired plant manager from American Device Manufacturing, in Steeleville. He was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Campbell Hill, and former council member, a member of the B.B.K. American Legion Post #480 in Steeleville, the Kaskaskia VFW Post #3553, in Chester. Lester enjoyed spending time with his daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking. He also enjoyed the St. Louis Cardinals, and listening to Gospel and County music.

Lester is survived by his daughter and son – in – law; Brenda (Larry) Steiner, Sparta, 2 grandchildren; Andrea Stoppelmann, Arnold, Missouri, and Ryan (Jennifer) Steiner, Belleville, Illinois, 3 great grandchildren; Logan and Kaylee Steiner, and Lucas Stoppelmann. Lester is also survived by 1 sister; Lucille Misselhorn, Campbell Hill, and 1 brother; Roy Gerlach, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sons; Lester Lee and Douglas (Tiny) Gerlach, and 1 brother; Harold Gerlach.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Friday, March 31, 2017 at the St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Campbell Hill, with Rev. Karen McNeall – Utecht officiating, and burial will follow at the St. Luke's Cemetery, Campbell Hill. Visitation will be held Thursday evening at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Steeleville where friends may call from 5 to 8 PM, and then on Friday morning from 7:30 AM to 9, then from 10 to 11 AM at the church. Memorials may be made to the St. Luke's Cemetery Fund.