Gene A. Huelsmann

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Gene A. Huelsmann, 82, of Du Quoin, passed away at 8 p.m., Thursday, July 16, 2009 at his residence.

Gene had worked for many years as an electrician. He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin. He was a lifemember of the Elks and American Legion. Gene was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He had served for six years in the military.

He was born March 5, 1927 at Du Quoin, the son of Anton and Clara (Kreher) Huelsmann.

He married Dorothy Siefert on September 15, 1951 at Du Quoin, and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Du Quoin, two children - Edward Huelsmann and wife Laura of Lakemoor, and Katherine Starks and husband Brent of Greenwood, Ind.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers - Charles Huelsmann, Edward Huelsmann, and Raymond Huelsmann.

Memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m., Monday, July 20, 2009 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin with Fr. Tom Stout officiating.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Monday.

Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery at Du Quoin.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin American Legion and V.F.W.

Friends may make memorials to the St. Jude's Children's Hospital or American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.