Virgil L. Meischner

WASHINGTON – Virgil L. Meischner, 90, of Washington, IL, died at 4 pm Monday, January 19, 2015 at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. Born on May 1, 1924 in Groveland, IL to Otto and Laura Sistek Meischner, he married Delores T. Giacoletti on May 3, 1947 in East Peoria, IL. She survives. Also surviving are 2 sons, Kenneth L. (Mary) Meischner and Ronald R. (Suzanne) Meischner, both of East Peoria, IL, 3 surviving brothers, Garnet (Madeline) Meischner of Pekin, IL, Leonard (Dixie) Meischner of Sesser, IL and Donald Meischner of Washington, IL, 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, Walt, Orville, Otto, Dayton, and Richie, and 3 sisters, Joyce Johnson, Ruby Chapman, and Loretta Cox. Virgil joined the United States Navy on May 1, 1940 at the age of 16. On December 7, 1941, World War II started and Virgil served all over the world. By the age of 18, he fought in nearly every battle in the South Pacific. After the war, he continued in the Naval Reserves for 28 years. He was appointed to serve on the Veterans Assistance Commissions for more than 10 years where he helped returning military veterans go back to school or find a job. He was also a member of the National Association of County Veterans Service Officers, Inc. He worked for the Peoria Housing Authority for over 37 years as a painter and supervisor. Most of those years were spent as the supervisor of all the painters. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators and Paperhangers of America, Local No. 157, serving many years as treasurer of the local. Virgil was a member of the First United Methodist Church of East Peoria serving as a Trustee for several years. For many years, he was a Youth Baseball Coach for the Northern Tazewell Recreation Association. He also was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader and served as a District Commissioner for the W.D. Boyce Council. Virgil enjoyed camping, bowling, and sports of all types. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was especially proud when his sons, his grandchildren, and even his great-grandchildren participated in sporting events. He was always in attendance whenever it was possible and enjoyed every minute. The family would like to thank all of the staff at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL, for their kindness, professionalism, and compassion in the care of Virgil. A funeral service will be held at 10 am Friday, January 23, 2015 at First United Methodist Church in East Peoria. Pastor Mary Arnold will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm, Thursday, January 22, 2015 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to the services Friday at the church. Burial will be in Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Navy. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of East Peoria or to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL.

Virgil L. Meischner

May 1, 1924 - January 19, 2015