Gilbert William Schierer

Gilbert William Schierer, 91, a life-long resident of Metamora, IL passed away at 9:02 am on Saturday, January 10, 2015. He was born on June 27, 1923 and was one of ten children born to Ferdinand and Mary Agnes Marchand Schierer. Gilbert started the first garbage collection route in the Metamora-Germantown Hills area in the early 1950s, which later became McCullough Disposal. He also worked for Bemis Bag Company in Peoria, IL for nearly 30 years. In addition, Gilbert farmed throughout his lifetime. In 1954, Gilbert purchased forty acres on the Girl Scout Road in rural Metamora, upon which he farmed, raised cattle and built the family home. Dubbed "Tinker Farm", Gilbert said it was only big enough to tinker around on. His granddaughter, Sarah, and her family now live on the farm. On October 17, 1944, Gilbert married LaVonne Lois Kerker at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church in rural Germantown Hills and they shared over forty years together until her passing in 1991. Gilbert passed away on LaVonne?s January 10 birthdate. Gilbert and LaVonne?s children include Steve (Mary) Schierer and Elaine Pemberton of Metamora and Keith Schierer of Washington. A daughter, Janice Renae, died in 1954. Gilbert especially enjoyed spending time with his eight grandchildren who are Chad Schierer, Eric (Tina) Schierer, Dustin (Tracy) Schierer, Jayme (Erin) Gunderson, Jason Gunderson, Sarah (Chad) Keller, all of Metamora, Kyle Schierer of Washington and Maria Schierer of Texas. Gilbert was always delighted to see his great-grandchildren and give them rides on his golf cart. They include Brianna and Lucas Schierer, Henry and Charlie Gunderson, Erika and Eva Schierer, Mya Schierer and Brayden and Maci Keller. Gilbert was also the proud great-great grandpa to Kylie Lutz. He also had one step-great-grandson Christian Reimer. On January 6, 1995 Gilbert married Vida Kennel Seckler and they recently celebrated 20 years together. She survives. Gilbert and Vida enjoyed visiting with her children who are John (Susie) Seckler, Roger (Judy) Seckler, Greg (Darlene) Seckler, Sue Pettyjohn, Lonnie (Gloria) Seckler, Jean (Dave) Beck, Sandy (Steve) Linnemann and David Seckler. Gilbert also enjoyed the company of his 20 step-grandchildren, 39 step-great-grandchildren and two step-great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, LaVonne and his daughter, Janice, Gilbert was preceded in death by five brothers Isadore, Clarence, Elmer, Raymond and Robert and three sisters Helen Dubois, Florence Alig and Dorothy Schierer. Surviving is a sister, Irene VanDeHand, of Metamora. Also surviving are numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, including a goddaughter, Virginia Tisdale, of Washington. During his lifetime, Gilbert?s passions included putting in a good day of work, playing cards, talking "farm talk" with his brother Robert, making homemade ice cream and collecting Massey Harris tractors. His collection contained 22 tractors and his son, Steve, still owns the Massey Harris Mustang that Gilbert purchased new in 1954. Gilbert was a member of St. Mary?s Catholic Church, Metamora. The family would like to extend a special "thank you" to Gilbert?s two Guardian Angel nurses, Kendra and Abbie, at Unity Point Hospital in Peoria. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 10:30 am at St. Mary?s Catholic Church, Metamora with Monsignor Prendergast officiating. Recitation of the Rosary will be held on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 3:30 pm with visitation to follow from 4:00 until 7:00 pm at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel. Burial will be in St. Mary?s Cemetery, Metamora. Following the burial, a dinner will be held at Snyder Village Center, Metamora. Memorial donations may be given in Gilbert?s name to St. Mary?s School, Metamora. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com