Wilbert G. Huelsmann

Wilbert G. Huelsmann, age 90, of Breese, IL, born December 29, 1926 in Breese, a son of the late Theodore and Wilhelmina, nee Homann, Huelsmann, died Thursday, September 7, 2017 at his home in Breese.

Surviving are his wife Agnes, nee Fuhler, Huelsmann, whom he married September 6, 1950 at St Rose Catholic Church in St. Rose, IL; his children, Diane (Tom) Honerkamp of Belleville, IL, Dennis (Phyllis) Huelsmann of Breese, Janet (Paul III) Greenwood of Belleville, Joan Adams of Belleville, Allen Huelsmann, Mark (Lisa) Huelsmann, and Mary Kay (Jim) Wiegmann, all of Breese; 19 grandchildren, Nicole (Chris) Long of Olathe, KS, Matt (Abby) Honerkamp of Oakland, CA, Catrina (Carl) Vandeloo and Elisha (Corey) Behrman of Bartelso, IL, Linette (Tony) Bishop of Jacksonville, FL, Diana Greenwood of Godfrey, IL, Paul IV (friend Karen Montgomery) Greenwood, and Sarah (friend Jon Michael Smith) Greenwood of St. Louis, Jake (Emily) Adams of Belleville, Dr. Justin (Dr. Laura) Adams of Lexington, KY, Ryan (Tommi) Huelsmann of Breese, Jonathan Huelsmann of Maryville, IL, Brayden Huelsmann, Grant Huelsmann, Abby (friend Jordon Timmermann) Huelsmann, Nick Huelsmann, Ben Wiegmann, Mitchell Wiegmann, and Emily Wiegmann all of Breese; 13 great grandchildren, Ethan and Emma Long, Brandon and Brittney Vandeloo, Bryce and Nate Behrman, Bridgette and Juliette Bishop, Ellie and Logan Adams, Henry Adams, and Hadley and Hazel Huelsmann; a sister, Theodora Wilke; brothers, Bernard (Irene) Huelsmann and Richard Huelsmann; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Kathleen Huelsmann, Vic Fuhler, Helen & Stan Timmermann all of Breese, and Jane Fuhler of St. Rose.

Wilbert was also preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Huelsmann and Roger Huelsmann; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ben and Rose, nee Haar, Fuhler; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Ralph Wilke, Clara and John Rakers, John and Bertha Fuhler, Theodore Fuhler, Sally Fuhler and Bernard Fuhler.

Wilbert was inducted into the United States Army in December 1945 and served in the Philippines from June 1946 until March 1947, when he was honorably discharged. He was a dedicated dairy, poultry and grain farmer who frequently studied farming magazines in his free time. A devoted member of St. Dominic's Catholic Church, Wilbert enjoyed his time with the Men's Sodality. He was also a board member of the Clinton County Farm Bureau, a charter member of the St. Rose Water District and a member of the St. Dominic's/St. Augustine's Cemetery Committee. He and Agnes were proud to be named the Clinton County Soil Conservation Farm Family of the Year in 1984. Wilbert truly loved farming and committed himself to managing and conserving the land. His motto of the Three Rs - repair, reuse, and recycle - inspired us all.

Many thanks to Steve Finley, Wilbert's caretaker, for his thoughtful and reliable support over the last two years. Thanks also to Heartland Hospice for their caring services.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, September 15, 2017 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese with Rev. Patrick Peter and Deacon Linus Klostermann officiating. Burial will follow at St. Dominic/St. Augustine Cemetery in Breese.

Friends may call Thursday, September 14, 2017 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and again on Friday, September 15, 2017 from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Nordike Funeral Home in Breese.

In lieu of flowers and other gifts, memorials can be made to All Saints Academy or Mater Dei Catholic High School and will be received at Nordike Funeral Home, 150 N. Clinton St., Breese, IL 62230.