Harold C. Vercler

Harold C. " Opa" Vercler, 96, of Washington, passed away at 1:07 a.m., Sunday, March 29, 2015 at his home. Harold was born on June 24, 1918 in Washington to Christian and Susan (Wagner) Vercler. He married Alice "Oma" Neufeld in Paraguay on September 14, 1947. Oma survives. Also surviving is one son, Rudolph (Kaye) Vercler of Washington; two daughters, Barbara (Russell) Roth of Morton and Mary Jane (Gary) Hendricker of Georgia; 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Lloyd, Ralph and Wayne. Harold was a lifelong Washington Township farmer. During World War II he served four years in the Civilian Public Service (CPS) followed by two more years as a volunteer with the Mennonite Central Committee. It was during this time that Harold met and married Alice. Harold was also a lifelong member of Calvary Evangelical Mennonite Church in Washington. Here he had served at various positions in the church, including Sunday School teacher and Superintendant, treasurer, usher and deacon. Funeral services for Harold will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Evangelical Mennonite Church with Pastor Ken Sistrunk officiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to services. Mason-White Funeral Home is assisting the family in arrangements. Memorials may be directed to either the church building fund, Peoria Rescue Mission or Mennonite Central Committee. Online condolences to the family may be made at masonfuneralhomes.com