Obituary of Elmer Koerner

Elmer S. Koerner Age 92, of Joliet, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 18, 2013. Born in Lockport on July 1, 1920 to the late Jacob and Mary (nee Kelly) Koerner, he was a lifetime area resident. He served with the CCC's and was a U.S. Army veteran, serving with the First Calvary Division during WWII in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre. He was the recipient of the Bronze Star. Survived by his children, Mary Ann (Robert) Cerven, Kathleen Barrett, Barbara Koerner, Nancy (Robert) Crickman and Gary (Dawn) Koerner; daughter-in-law, Jane Koerner; 13 grandchildren, Christine Thompson, Mark Koerner, William Koerner, James Cerven, Julie Coppens, Matthew Barrett, David Barrett, Alexander Crickman, Kyle Crickman, Nicholas Koerner, Zady Koerner, Corrina Koerner and Jeremy Koerner; 18 great-grandchildren, Jacob, Joshua, Jenna, Roni, Maranda, Sara, Olivia, Braedon, Keeley, Jessica, Jennifer, Lauren, Nathan, Rachel, Tyler, Audrey, Maggie and Abby; brother of Richard (Jennie) Koerner, Dorothy (late Steven) Ostafin, Barbara (late George) Latchaw, Alice (Gordon) Ludlow and Eldon Koerner; numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Bernice Ann (nee Pantol) Koerner (1998); son, Richard (2012); sisters, Helen Homan, Anna Koerner, Clara Koerner, Elizabeth Bode, Marion Paul; brothers, Jacob, Lawrence, Harry, Donald and Russell Koerner, and William John in infancy. He was a pipefitter with Texaco Refinery for 40 years, retiring in 1981. Lifetime member of the Lockport VFW #5788. Funeral Services for Elmer S. Koerner will be Friday, June 21, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rd., Joliet to St. Bernard Catholic Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Meals on Wheels would be appreciated. Visitation Thursday 2-8 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com