Gerling, Victor

Victor H. "Vic" Gerling, 88 of New Baden, Ill., died Saturday, January 28, 2006 at St. Joseph Hospital in Breese, Ill. He was born on August 27, 1917 in Germantown, Ill. son of George and Wilhelmina (Heidemann) Gerling. He married Pauline E. (Eversgerd) Poettker on June 21, 1958 at St. Mary’s Church in Belleville and she survives in New Baden. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two step sons, Richard Poettker and wife Elfrieda of New Baden and Donald Poettker of Barron, Wisconsin; a brother, Dennis Gerling of Germantown; six step grandchildren, Steven Poettker, Jared Poettker, Nicole Price, Steffaine Poettker, Marsha Shirley and husband Jason and Adam Poettker; two step great-grandchildren, Gillian Leal Price and Emma Mae Poettker. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Alvin Gerling; sister-in-law, Bernice Gerling and a step son, Patrick R. Poettker. Mr. Gerling was retired as a truck driver from Cantwell Motor Service and Penn Central Railroad and was custodian at Wesclin High School for 8 years. He was a member of St. George Parish, New Baden Lions Club, New Baden Senior Citizens and the Mascoutah Moose Lodge. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at St. George Church in New Baden, with Rev. Donald Blaes officiating. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden. Friends may call on Monday, January 30, 2006 from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Tuesday, January 31, from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. The senior citizens will visit at 5 p.m., there will be a prayer service at 6 p.m. and the Lions Club will visit at 7 p.m. all on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to VNA Hospice or New Baden Lions Club and will be received at the funeral home.