Keilbach, Dale

Dale Louis Keilbach, 69, of Breese, died Sunday, March 8, 2009 at his home. He was born November 28, 1939 in Breese, son of Edward and Lydia (Rolfingsmeyer) Keilbach. He married Gerri Essenpreis on February 11, 1961at St. Augustine Church in Breese and she survives. In addition to his wife, he is survived by seven children , Ken (Deb) Keilbach, Gina (Mike) Shannon, all of Breese, Jill (Mike) Simonton of Odin, Jason (Kristi) Keilbach, Kristin (William) Pruitt, Shae Keilbach, Lindsey (Kevin Foppe) Keilbach all of Breese; 16 grandchildren and one step grandchild; two great-grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren; one sister, Patricia (Charles) Tune of Aviston; his mother-in-law, Martha Essenpreis of Breese; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Judith Keilbach of Troy, Melissa & Phil Koehler of Centralia, Vanessa & Kevin Hilmes of Breese, and Dave & Sue Essenpreis of Oakland, KY. Dale was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Eugene Keilbach; son-in-law, Chuck Reilmann; father-in-law, Melvin Essenpreis; a sister-in-law, Martha Lee Richard, and brother-in-law, Larry Richard. Most important in his life were his family and his beloved dog, Molly. Mr. Keilbach was a member of St. Augustine Church in Breese, served for 28 years as a volunteer for the Breese Fire Department, and was a past President and member of Painters Local 849. He was retired from SIUE, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Memorial Mass will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Breese at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 12, 2009 with Rev. Ben Stern and Deacon Bob Lippert officiating. Friends may call Wednesday, March 11, 2009 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm & Thursday, March 12, 2009 from 8:00 am - 9:30 am at Hempen Funeral Home, Breese. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice, Breese Fire Department, or St. Augustine Church.