MURPHYSBORO - Purle E. Alstat, 92, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away at 4:25 am, on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro. Purle was born in Vergennes, Illinois on February 18, 1920 the son of George and Emma Kuehn Alstat. He married Alfreda M. Mozier on July 7, 1947 at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Ava. Purle spent 42 years working in Southern Illinois coal mines. He retired from the Captain Mine in 1998. He also owned and operated a small sawmill and logging operation. He was a lifelong farmer. He was a member of the UMW of A Local #1392. Purle was a hard worker. He raised a huge garden and was especially proud of his flowers. Gladiolus were his favorite. He enjoyed giving garden items and flowers to his friends and family. He also enjoyed designing and crafting metal art. Purle is survived by his wife, Alfreda Alstat of Murphysboro; three sons, Purle D. "Butch" (Cathy) Alstat of Vergennes, Teddie J. Alstat of Arnold, MO, and Daniel T. Alstat of Murphysboro; six daughters, Pat (Bob) Gott of Vienna, IL, Aleta (Terry) Riebeling of Red Bud, IL, Starletta (Jim) Kerley of Murphysboro, Debbie (KR) Sullivan of Vergennes, Charletta (Jeff) Doerr of Vergennes, and Judy (David) Jones of Vergennes; 17 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild. Purle was preceded in death by his parents; one infant son, Murle Francis; two brothers: Joe & Todd; and one sister, Annie Ebersohl. Funeral service will be held Saturday, March 24, 2012 at the Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava with Rev. James Kerley officiating. Burial will follow in Ava Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call from 9 to 11 am Saturday. Memorials may be given to Hospice of Southern Illinois or St. Francis Animal Shelter.