Harold R. Xanders

Harold R. Xanders, 84, of Germantown Hills, IL passed away at 5:20 am on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at his residence. He was born on September 16, 1932 in Golden Gate, IL to Arthur and Grace (Griffin) Xanders. He married Marilyn A. Coughlon on September 24, 1960 in Peoria. She passed away on December 3, 2013. Surviving are children Robert Xanders of Palm Desert, CA, Bettyanne (Benedict Adebowale) Xanders of Grand Prairie, TX, and Deborah Xanders of Peoria, IL; six grandchildren Alexa Xanders, Travis Xanders, Mitchell Xanders, Jordan Xanders, Emma Adebowale, and Isabel Adebowale; and siblings Helen Seifert of Fairfield, IL, Marge (Cecil) Draper of Wayne City, IL, and Mary Lou Crawford of Fairfield, IL. He was preceded in death by three brothers. Harold was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He was a machinist at Heyster, WABCO and Morton Metalcraft, retiring in the late 1990's. He was an avid bowler and played fast pitch softball. He helped establish the Pony League in Germantown Hills and coached for 15 years. Harold was a passionate Cardinals and Bears fan. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage. Harold was a member of St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church in rural Metamora. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church with Father Greg Jozefiak officiating. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 4:30 pm on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at Mason Funeral Home Germantown Hills Chapel with visitation to follow from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Mary of Lourdes Cemetery with military rites accorded. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Methodist Hospice, 415 NE Saint Mark Court, Suite 2, Peoria, IL 61603. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.