Wangler, Philip

Philip A. "P.J." Wangler, 82, of Highland, formerly of New Baden, died Saturday, July 21, 2012 at Countryside Manor in Aviston. He was born October 3, 1929 in New Baden son of Philip J. and Mary M. (Rosebury) Wangler. He married Jeannine E. Hill on May 28, 1948 at St. George Church in New Baden and she survives in Highland. In addition to his wife of 64 years, he is survived by his children, P.J. (Kathy) Wangler of Belleville, Cindy Ilges (Doug) Winter of Highland, and Bill (Beth Koenig) Wangler of Fairview Heights; three grandchildren, Ryan (Heather) Ilges, Amanda (Carl) Vogel, and Kyle Ilges; three great-grandchildren, Gage, Kreyton and Baylor Ilges; a sister, Mary Lou Gartrell of Mulberry, FL; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Colleen Rock of Oklahoma City, OK, Mary Ann and Harry Patterson of O’Fallon, MO, and Jess Bradford of Muscle Shoals, AL; he is also survived by nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John Wangler, who died at birth; brothers-in-law, James Gartrell, William Rock, Leon Lavann, and William Hill; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Luella Hill. P.J. was owner operator of Hill’s Bakery in New Baden. He worked for his father-in-law as a baker and then in 1969 he and his wife, Jeannine, purchased the business. He retired from the bakery in 2000. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling and gardening. He was a member of St. George Parish in New Baden. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with Rev. Eugene Neff officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden. Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, 2012 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden. Memorials may be made to the Highland Animal Shelter or to Hospice of Belleville and will be received at the funeral home.