William Lippert

WASHINGTON - William ""Bill"" Lippert, 92, of Washington passed away at 5:01 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014, at his home, with his family by his side. Bill was born on Oct. 31, 1921, in Havana, Ill., to William Andrew and Bertha (Davis) Lippert. He married Leona Courtney on Dec. 21, 1941, in Palmyra, Mo. They celebrated 62 years of marriage, prior to her death on Feb. 11, 2004, in Peoria. Among those surviving are two sons, Jerry (Yvonne) Lippert of Macomb, Mich., and Dennis (Ana) Lippert of Peoria; one daughter, Kay Graff of Morton; 12 loving grandchildren, John, Angela, Michelle, Jodie, Courtney, Brice, Bailey, Andrew, Jacqueline, Devan, Daniel and Gage; and four great-grandchildren, Zane, Payge, Isabella and Tess. He was also preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters. Bill had been postmaster in Washington for several years, prior to his retirement. He was a proud veteran, having served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Sicilian Campaign and the European Theatre. Bill had earned the rank of sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Bill was a 50-year member of Taylor Lodge AF&AM in Washington, Veterans of Foreign Wars in Washington, Scottish Rite Valley of Peoria, Mohammed Shrine Temple in Peoria and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staffs of the Grand Victorian in Washington and Helping Hands. Bill was also a member of Evangelical United Methodist Church in Washington, where services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, at 11 a.m., with Pastor John Hauck officiating. Visitation will be at Mason-White Funeral Home from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday. There will be a Masonic memorial service for Bill at the funeral home at 7 p.m. on Friday, and military rites will be accorded by the U.S. Army and Tazewell Military Rites Team following services at the church. Memorials may be directed to either the Alzheimer's Association or Harbor Light Hospice. Online condolences to the family may be made at masonfuneralhomes.com.