Robert Pierski

MECHANICSBURG, IL - During the afternoon of Sept. 21, 2014, Dad left us to be with Betty Jean, his beloved bride of 55 years, for whose company he had longed since her death in 2011.

Dad was born Aug. 7, 1923, in LaSalle, Ill., to Stanley and Frances (Wujek). To hundreds of people throughout this area, Dad was "the guy from Sears, Roebuck" who remodeled their kitchen or bathroom, or installed their dishwasher, garage door opener, storm door, patio awning, or pool table. To others he was a fellow Mechanicsburg volunteer firefighter, altar boy, Cubs fan, or WWII Navy veteran. To my brother and me, he was a fishing guide and companion, our first call when something broke and we needed to know how to fix it, and the authority on when and how to care for any living, or ailing, plant or tree in the yard.

Dad was preceded in death by Betty Jean (White); Nelda (Atkinson); his eldest son, Martin; his brother, Ben; and too many relatives and friends to try to list.

Among the many he leaves behind are two sisters, Loretta and Lorraine; sons, Mark (wife, Lois), and Paul; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Please join us at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at St. James Catholic Church in Riverton, Ill., to celebrate Dad's life, followed by Mass at 10 a.m.

Friends and family are also invited to join us at a Memorial Service at Camp Butler National Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at which time Mom's and Dad's ashes will be forever interred together.

Enjoy the journey Dad. We're sure the fishing will be awesome, the gardens lush, and the blades never dull. We'll miss you and that incredible pie crust. Rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Land of Lincoln Honor Flight and/or St. John's Hospice Services.