Billhartz, Paul

Paul W. Billhartz, 81, of Fairview Heights, Ill. died Friday, December 30, 2005 at Clinton Manor Living Center in New Baden, Ill. He was born on September 4, 1924 in New Baden son of Harry F. and Agnes L. (Griesbaum) Billhartz. He is survived by two brothers, Vincent Billhartz of New Baden, and Denis (Dorothy Salustro) Billhartz of New Baden; seven sisters, Elizabeth Haas of Mascoutah, Mary Becherer and husband Norman of Mascoutah, Margaret Reinhardt and husband Virgil of Belleville, Catherine Lanter of Mascoutah, Veronica Wright and husband Harold of Belleville, Agnes Buechler and husband Clinton of Swansea, and Mary Ann Krohne and husband James of Okawville. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Rich Haas and George Lanter and a nephew, Billy Buechler. Mr. Billhartz was retired from Monsanto in Sauget, Ill. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. He was a member of St. Albert the Great Church in Fairview Heights and the American Legion Post 321 in New Baden. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2006 at St. George Church in New Baden with Msgr. Donald Eichenseer officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, New Baden. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 1, 2006 and from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Monday January 2, 2006 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. There will be a parish prayer service at 6 PM and an American Legion service at 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice and will be received at the funeral home.