Hoerchler, Harold

Harold T. Hoerchler, 86, of New Baden, died Monday, October 12, 2009, at Trenton Village in Trenton. He was born May 27, 1923 in New Baden, son of William and Helen (Santel) Hoerchler. He married Norma E. Coughlan on June 6, 1944 in Edmondton, Alberta, Canada and she preceded him in death on February 19, 1990. He is survived by his children, Robert Hoerchler of Beaverton, OR, Michael (Shirley) Hoerchler of Centralia, Martin (Chris) Hoerchler of O’Fallon, Timothy (Diane) Hoerchler of New Baden, Marian Boston of Colorado Springs, CO, Bonnie (Lou) Wells of Chatham, Gordon Hoerchler of New Baden and Colleen Hoerchler of New Baden; 17 grandchildren, Becky, Bobby Jo, Sherri, Shelly, Jason, Tony, Brian, Lisa, Britt, Brandon, Brent, Lindsey, Blair, Ann, Timothy, Tyler and Cullen; 16 great grandchildren; a sister, Eleanor Rensing of Chesterfield, MO; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Theodore "Teddy" Hoerchler; three brothers, Raymond, Joseph and Wilbert; and two sisters, Frances and Marcella. Before his retirement Mr. Hoerchler was the owner/operator of New Baden Auto Body. He was a member of St. George Parish and the American Legion Post 321 in New Baden. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served in World War II. Harold enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren and restoring cars. A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, October 16, 2009, at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with the Rev. Eugene Neff officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2009 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2009 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. There will be a prayer service at 4 p.m. and the American Legion will visit at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Western Clinton County Senior Center, 519 N. Main St., Trenton, IL 62293 and will be received at the funeral home.