Edward Valerius Jr.
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Edward Valerius Jr., age 85, of Du Quoin, Ill., passed away on Monday, May 21, 2012 at 2:35 a.m. in Fair Acres Nursing Home, Du Quoin, Ill.
Edward was born on June 22, 1926 in Elkville Township, Jackson County, Ill., a son to Edward Sr. and Emma (Wendling) Valerius. On April 18, 1953 he married Frances I. Harris in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Du Quoin, Ill., and she preceded him in death on July 17, 1996. He then married Sarah Huggins (Rosenberger) on June 18, 2003 in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin, Ill. and she survives.
He proudly served his country and was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corp. During his life Edward worked on the family farm with his dad, then went to work for Anaconda Wire factory in DeKalb, Ill., and then worked at the YMCA. Edward was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin, Ill. and he enjoyed playing cards, dominos and gardening.
Edward is survived by his wife Sarah Valerius of Du Quoin, Ill.; two brothers, Albert (Marline) Valerius of De Kalb, Ill., and Mathew (Shirley) Valerius of Paducah, Ky.; four sisters, Kathryn Norris of Du Quoin, Ill., Edna Finger of Ariz. and Matilda Harsy and Dorothy Wiehn, both of Du Quoin, Ill.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Frances; son, Paul Edward Valerius in infancy and two sisters, Lucille Merkel and Theresa Valerius.
Funeral services were held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Du Quoin, Ill., on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Nick Junker officiating. Interment was in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Du Quoin, Ill.
Friends called at Pyatt Funeral Home in Du Quoin, Ill. on Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Rosary was recited at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday.
Military graveside rites were performed by Du Quoin VFW Post 513 and American Legion Post 647.
Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.
For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit www.pyattfuneralhome.com.