Wilbur Conrad Hesler's Obituary
Wilbur Conrad Hesler, 90, of Decatur, passed away peacefully at 12:20 a.m. on Friday, January 6, 2012.
Conrad Hesler was born November 19, 1921 on a farm in Cumberland County near Greenup, Illinois. He was the son of James Francis and Lillian Gaddis Hesler. After his father was killed in a construction accident when Conrad was thirteen years old, Conrad helped support the family during the Great Depression. During the Second World War, he served in the Army Air Corps as a staff sergeant in the 12th Air Force, 57th Bomb Wing, the famed “Bridge Busters,” in campaigns in northern Africa and southern Europe. During the Italian campaign, he witnessed the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that destroyed hundreds of American airplanes on the ground. For his part in liberating Greece from the Nazis, the Greek government later awarded Conrad the Medal of Freedom.
After discharge from the military, Conrad began working for the Wabash Railroad as a clerk, and continued with that railroad and its successors until his retirement in 1982. He was a hard worker who during his entire career never took a day off for illness. He was married on November 12, 1947 to the former Martha Jeanette Van Scyoc. They had two children, Susan Diana Ferguson, now of Naperville, and Conrad Dale Hesler of Decatur.
He attended Grace United Methodist Church in Decatur, and was a life member of the VFW Post 99 and the 57th Bomb Wing. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 507 and the Retired Railroaders. Before and during retirement, Conrad and Martha traveled widely throughout the United States, visiting every state but Alaska and Connecticut. Conrad was a life-long supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals, and also enjoyed camping and appreciating nature in the great outdoors.
Most of all, Conrad enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by Martha, his wife of 64 years, his children, Susan Gillum and Dale Jeanne, and five grandchildren: Michelle Ferrara Michael, Robert Hesler, Benjamin Wilkey Buffy, Julie Semyck David, and Philip Wilkey Jamie, as well as by eight great-grandchildren: Debra, Madison, Jackson, Charlotte, Luke, William, Owen, and Ava. Also surviving are his brother Kenneth Hesler Nancy of Charleston and sister Rosemary Graham William of Paris. In addition he is survived by four stepgrandchildren: Laura Reedy, Thomas Ferguson, John Ferguson, and Renee Soper, stepgreatgrandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. The family is especially grateful to Larry Eckart, Conrad’s good friend, who brought much joy to his life in his later years, and during his last illness regularly cheered him with his welcome visits.
Conrad was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Frank and William, and two sisters Wanda Jean Gentry and Myrna McMorris. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Grace United Methodist Church in Decatur.
Visitation will be held at Moran &Goebel Funeral Home, on Monday, January 9, 2012 between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Conrad’s life will be celebrated at Grace United Methodist Church, 901 N. Main St., Decatur, on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Macon County Memorial Park near Harristown with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard.
The family of Wilbur Conrad “Cuz” Hesler is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Cremation Services honored provider of Veteran’s Funeral Care, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur. View the online obituary and send condolences to the family at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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