Willis Raymond Steiger

Willis Raymond Steiger, age 84, of Millstadt, IL, passed away on Monday, August 19, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 17, 1940, in Millstadt Township, IL. Willis married Doris (née Mehrtens) on September 24, 1961. He is survived by his wife, Doris; their children, Joyce Hoeing, Jerry (Linda) Steiger, and Janice (Steven) Ceriotti; grandchildren, Michelle (Kyle) Bauche, Lauren (Eric) Siciliano, Mark (Stephanie) Steiger, Nicholaus (Katherine) Hoeing, Maria Ceriotti, and Dominic Ceriotti; and great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Rylan, Sofia, Sutton, and a baby girl on the way. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Virginia Steiger, Charlotte Mehrtens, and Shirley Axe, as well as other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Mathilda (née Pfannebecker) Steiger; his brothers, Wayne, Melvin (Millie), Kenneth (Marlene), Dean (Randy), and Ethan (in infancy) Steiger; his son in law, Michael Hoeing, his parents-in-law, Raymond and Ida (née Reichert) Mehrtens; and his brothers-in-law, Donald Mehrtens and Samuel Axe. Willis served as the transportation director for Millstadt Consolidated School District 160 for 10 years before retiring in 2006, and continued to work as a bus driver until 2022. Willis was an active member of Concordia United Church of Christ in Belleville, IL. He was a member of Columbia Blue Lodge #474 A.F & A.M. for over 50 years, where he served as Worshipful Master. He was also involved with the Scottish Rite, Ainad Shrine Brass Band, and the Rob Morris Chapter of the Eastern Star. Willis was a member of the United Mine Workers, having worked for Peabody Coal Mine for 25 years. He was also a member of the Millstadt American Legion Post 502, Millstadt Commercial Club, and Millstadt Sister Cities. Willis was a former co-owner of Happy Days Ice Cream Shop in Millstadt, IL. Although he retired from farming in 2000, he continued to enjoy gardening. After retiring from farming, Willis took up golf and participated in the Thursday Night League at Triple Lakes, where he was in charge of “refreshments”. Willis proudly served his country for four years in the United States Navy. He was a hardworking, honest family man. Visitation will be on Sunday, August 25, 2024 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm, followed by a Masonic service at 7:00 pm; and on Monday, August 26, 2024 from 9:00 to 10:00 am at Leesman Funeral Home in Millstadt, IL. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024 at 10:00 am at Leesman Funeral Home, with Pastor Joan Mier, officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Concordia United Church of Christ, 7600 State Route 163, Belleville, IL., 62223. For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.

Willis Raymond Steiger

August 17, 1940 - August 19, 2024