Obituary for Herbert W. Eggemeyer
HERBERT W. EGGEMEYER, 95, of Chester, Illinois, passed away Sunday, November 20, 2016 at Silverstone Place Nursing Home in Rolla, Missouri.
He was born to the late Joseph and Theresa (nee Rieckenberg) Eggemeyer on July 16, 1921 in Blair, Illinois.
He married Clara C. Young on November 26, 1953 in Chester. She preceded him death on October 15, 2009.
Herb was a WWII Veteran in the US Army and was at the Battle of the Bulge. When he shared his WWII stories it always included his buddy, Bye.
While in the Army, Herb received the American Theater Ribbon, the Good Conduct Ribbon, two Battle Stars, a Purple Heart and Cluster and a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon.
Herb started the Natural Gas Department for the City of Chester and was hired as its superintendent. He worked for the city for 25 years.
He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Chester, Illinois and was a Life Member of the VFW Post #3553, Disabled American Veterans and American Legion Alva Courier Post No. 487.
He enjoyed woodworking, playing the guitar or harmonica and doing handkerchief tricks.
"Herb taught me so many things, how to make the most of life when you don't have much," said Chris Zang, Eggemeyer's great nephew. "When he had lemons, Herb made lemonade.
"He was one of a kind, and told it like it was, whether you wanted to hear it or not. If you were not careful, he would teach you a lesson whether you wanted to learn it or not."
"He could tell you a joke, maybe a couple times over and over, but it still sounded funny, because it was Herb telling it," Zang continued. "He was a stand up kind of man, who I will miss so much. They broke the mold when they made him.
"I am proud and grateful he is Uncle Herb, the man, the myth, the legend. My friend Herb Eggemeyer, one class act."
Survivors include one daughter - Joyce (Scott) Rubach, Chester; four grandchildren - Heather (Jeremy) Romine, St. James, Mo.; Pamela (John) McLawhorn, Vilonia, Ark.; Jennifer Rubach, Chester; Joshua (Kelly) Rubach, Fort Hood, Texas; Five great-grandchildren Cody, Gavin, Marie, Sean and Elaina; Nieces, nephew, cousins and friends.
Preceded in death by his parents, wife - Clara Eggemeyer, three brothers - Clyde, Sylva and Orville Eggemeyer and five sisters - Fern Spearing, Myrtle Fleming, Jessie Ohlau, Ruby Adams and Irene Wolters.
Funeral service was held Saturday, November 26, at Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois with Rev. Don Carson officiating.
Interment is at Evergreen Cemetery, Chester, Illinois. Memorials are family choice for a future memorial for Herbert.
To view this obituary and sign the register book visit www.pmfh.net