Jerome Bernard Koerkenmeier

Jerome B. Koerkenmeier, age 93, of Damiansville, peacefully passed away on January 21, 2025, after a brief stay at Breese Nursing Home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 25, 1931, in St. Rose, the son of John and Mary (Deiters) Koerkenmeier. Jerome married Mary Rita Kalmer on November 16, 1954, in Damiansville, and she preceded him in death on December 14, 2002.

Jerome's life was enriched by his family. He is survived by his children: Ralph Koerkenmeier and wife JoAnn of Damiansville, Jim Koerkenmeier and wife Deb of Carlyle, John Koerkenmeier and wife Deb of Damiansville, Don Koerkenmeier and wife Lynn of Stilwell, KS, and Rosie Trame and husband Mike of Damiansville. He was a proud grandfather to Brad (Heather) Koerkenmeier, Alexis (Kevin) McAllister, Tim (Lauren) Koerkenmeier, Amanda (John) Sauer, Clint Koerkenmeier, Travis (Whitney) Koerkenmeier, Derrick Koerkenmeier (special friend Ashley Smith), Josh (Darcy) Koerkenmeier, Ryan (Chelsea) Koerkenmeier, Melissa (Jody) Gustafson, and Evan (Amanda) Trame.  In addition, he was blessed with twenty-three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Ralph Thole.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his daughter Doris Koerkenmeier, his parents, his mother-in-law and father-in-law Joseph and Catherine Kalmer, his brothers, Richard Koerkenmeier in infancy, and Robert (Ruthie) Koerkenmeier, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Emil (Verena) Rensing, Leo (Marcella) Varel, Lawrence (Virginia) Kalmer, Hugo (Ruthie) Wilke, and Margaret Thole.

Jerome was a member of St. Damian Parish, St. Damian Holy Name Sodality, Damiansville Chamber of Commerce, Breese Knights of Columbus, Clinton County Farm Bureau and Exxon Annuitants Club.  As a proud veteran of the United States Army, where he served in Germany, he was honored to be part of the Albers American Legion. Jerome enjoyed playing cards with his family, friends, and card club.

Jerome was raised on a dairy farm outside St. Rose. He enjoyed farming his entire life, and in his later years enjoyed checking on crops around the area. He began his career at Huelsmann Rock Quarry, and later with ExxonMobil at Monterey #2 Mine in Albers until his retirement.  

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at St. Damian Catholic Church in Damiansville, with Fr. Matthew Elie and Deacon Glenn Netemeyer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Damian Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will take place at St. Damian Catholic Church on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:45 AM.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions in memory of Jerome are suggested to St. Damian Parish, Mater Dei Catholic High School, or Residential Hospice and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Nordike Funeral Home, 15 East Hanover Street, New Baden, IL 62265, who is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be offered to the Koerkenmeier family at www.nordikefuneralhome.com.