XAVIER FRANCIS MELLIERE, 104, of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, passed away at 5:35 am, Monday, June 6, 2011 in Red Bud, Illinois. He was born to Abel and Adele (nee Nevois) Melliere on November 12, 1906 in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois. Xavier married Christine Hoffman on January 9, 1932 in Madonnaville, IL; she preceded him in death in 1992. He was a lifelong farmer of grain, cattle and hay. He was also the caretaker of the Prairie du Rocher US Government airport/emergency landing field 1932 - 1952. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Prairie du Rocher and the Illinois Farm Bureau. Xavier also enjoyed his work, family and hunting. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and truly devoted his life to them. Survivors: 4 Children: Joy (Bob) Stafford Florissant, MO Fay (Delbert) Kueker Prairie du Rocher, IL Gerald Melliere Prairie du Rocher, IL Ronald (Jeanette) Melliere Modoc, IL 14 Grandchildren: Debi Lewis, Cathy Uffelmann, Sharon Johnson, Lisa Willeford, Steve Biernbaum, Scott Biernbaum, Brian Biernbaum, Mark Biernbaum, Matt Melliere, Michelle McGill, Ryan Melliere, Suzanne Wilson, Sandra Ottoson and Roger Melliere 37 Great Grandchildren: Stephanie Kennedy, Derek, Nick, Kirk and Blake Uffelmann, Kyle, Brett, Troy, Eric, Sarah, Jonathan, Kathryn, Lauren, Megan, Michelle, Craig, Brooke & Luke Biernbaum, Brandon Sachtleben, Alex & Kayla Willeford, Eve, Emma & Avery Melliere, Marisa, Riley & Anna McGill, Dade Melliere, Cynthia & Kenny Wilson, Tiffany Stellhorn, Andrew & Ashley Ottoson, Cassidy & Austin Melliere and Brett and Brock Johnson 3 Great Great Grandchildren: Jack & Luke Kennedy and Jack Sachtleben Special Family Friends: Daisy Mathews and Lou Biernbaum They will all cherish the memories of this generosity, quick wit, intellect, interesting life stories and just being with him. "We were blessed to have had him with us for so long. He was loved and respected by many and will be so sadly missed." Preceded in death by Parents, 4 Brothers - August, Francis, Ralph and Wendell Melliere, 4 Sisters - Josephine Melliere, Mabel Niebruegge, Mildred Leiweke and Mary Barbeau and 1 Daughter-in-law - Judy Melliere Funeral Mass: 11:00 am, Friday, June 10, 2011 St. Joseph Catholic Church, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois Officiating: Father Carl Scherrer Father Daniel J. Jurek Interment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Prairie du Rocher, Illinois Visitation: Thursday - 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Friday - 8:00 am - 10:15 am Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home, Red Bud, Illinois Memorials: Family Choice
