Clifford O. Thurnau

Clifford O. Thurnau, age 83 of Glen Carbon, IL, died Monday, November 24, 2014, at Eden Village Retirement Center in Glen Carbon, IL. He was born on Thursday, July 09, 1931, in rural Saint Jacob, IL, the son of Oliver and Mary (nee Liebler) Thurnau. On Saturday, November 24, 1979, he married Betty J. Thurnau, nee Stubblefield, who survives. He was a member of St. John's United Methodist Church, Edwardsville, IL; Madison County Farm Bureau, Edwardsville, IL. He was born in St. Jacob Township and graduated from Highland High School in 1950. He served with the US Army, active duty during the Korean War from Jan 1953 to Dec 1954. He farmed many years near Hamel, operating a grain farm and raised Black Angus cattle. He also worked for Madison Service Company, George Willaredt Farms, Worden Elevator and Suhre Farms. He enjoyed square dancing, going to auctions, collecting toy farm equipment and was very active with Rural Youth and 4-H. Clifford and Betty were married 35 years, he was married to the love of his life and passed away on their wedding anniversary. Survivors include: Wife - Betty J. Thurnau (nee Stubblefield), Glen Carbon, IL Step Son - Kim (Norma) Bertagnolli, Collierville, TN Step Son - David (Stephanie) Bertagnolli, Feeding Hills, MA Step Grandchildren - Four Brother - Warren Thurnau, Saint Jacob, IL Sister - Olive Nungesser, Highland, IL Sister - Eleanor Pirok, Highland, IL Sister - Joan (George) Willaredt, Edwardsville, IL Brother - Robert (Dorothy) Thurnau, Saint Jacob, IL Sister In-law - Alice Zarka, Casey, IL Sister In-law - Luriel Bott, Brighton, IL Sister In-law - Virginia Peterson, Williston, ND. He was preceded in death by: Father - Oliver C. Thurnau Mother - Mary F. Thurnau (nee Liebler) Sister - Jeanette M. Taylor (died 12/15/2009) Sister - Lyla Gerstenecker (died 11/3/2005) Brother - Harold P. Thurnau (died 6/23/2013) Sister In-law - Betty Thurnau (died 11/5/2014) Brother In-law - Dale Gerstenecker (died 11/11/2014) Brother In-law - Delmar Nungesser (died 8/31/1984) Brother In-law - Henry Pirok (died 10/6/2012) Brother In-law - Louis Taylor (died 3/2/2011) Sister In-law - Laurine E. Thurnau (died 4/21/2014). Arrangements are being handled by Dauderman Mortuary in Hamel, IL. Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM Sunday, November 30, 2014, at Dauderman Mortuary in Hamel, IL and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Monday, December 1, 2014, at St. John's United Methodist Church in Edwardsville, IL. Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 01, 2014, at St. John's United Methodist Church in Edwardsville, IL, with Rev. Sheryl L. Palmer, Directing Pastor, officiating. Interment will be at Benld Cemetery in Benld, IL at 2:00 PM, Monday, December 1, 2014. Memorial contributions may be made to Eden Village Retirement Center or St. John's United Methodist Church.

Clifford O. Thurnau

July 9, 1931 - November 24, 2014