Bernard John Rees' Obituary
Bernard John Rees, age 73, of Pinckneyville, IL, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. in St. Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville, IL. Bernard was born on November 25, 1939 in Percy, IL, a son to Rueben John and Ruby (Deppe) Rees. His father died in Italy serving his country during WW II and he was raised by his mother and step-father, Clarence Bierman. He spent many happy years with his special friend; Lila Kalb and she preceded him in death in 2011. Bernard was a heavy equipment operator for Arch of Illinois for 20 years. After retirement, he worked as a welder, a woodworker and for Dave Kuhnert Electric. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, DuQuoin, IL and the U.M.W.A. Bernard was a devoted father and grandfather and dearly loved spending time with his family. Survivors include two children, Debbie (Jim) Brandon Jr. of Collinsville, IL and John (Carla) Rees of Coulterville, IL; four grandchildren, Rusty Snodgrass, Blake Rees, Tiffany (Harley) Copple and Kayla Williams; five great-grandchildren, Harley and Carley Copple, Brenden and Braidan Williams and Dessa Behiter; two sisters, Helen Volpert of Effingham, IL and Faye (Robert) Vogt of Campbell Hill, IL; several nieces; nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father; special friend, Lila Kalb; brother-in-law, Earl Volpert and nephew, Greg Volpert. Funeral services will be held at Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Jim Barnett officiating. Interment will be in Percy City Cemetery, Percy, IL. Gravesite military rites will be provided by Presswood-Daffron American Legion Post #2504. Friends may call at Pyatt Funeral Home on Monday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to American Diabetes Association or American Lung Association
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