E. Orelle Sides

CONGERVILLE...Elvin Orelle Sides, 84, of Congerville, passed away at 11:55 a.m., Tuesday, April 24, 2012 at Washington Christian Village. Orelle was born on December 24, 1927 in Athens, Alabama to Edgar and Mary Smith Sides. He married Vera VanOppen on June 5, 1965 in East Peoria, IL. Vera survives. Also surviving is one step-son, Ronald McLaughlin of Congerville; four sisters, Sarah "Cornelle" Gerber of Eureka, WillAnn Melaik of Peoria, Della (Ray) Prince of Bloomington and Ginger (Gary) Springer of Congerville; one brother, Jerry (Penny) Sides of Peoria and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by five sisters and two brothers. Orelle had retired from PAG in Congerville where he had worked many years as a maintenance welder. He also served for six years in the United States Army during the time of the Korean conflict. Orelle was a member of Deer Creek American Legion Post 1276. He accepted Christ and was baptized in 2003. He loved attending New Castle Bible Church in Mackinaw. Orelle wil be remembered for his generosity, his love of gardening, and his wonderful sense of humor and quick wit. He loved children, and always looked foward to surprising them at the Sides? Annual Easter Egg Hunt at their home. There will be no visitation. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of Orelle?s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 at The Gathering Place @ Mackinaw Dells in Congerville. Memorials for Orelle may be directed to St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.