Bert Louis Mestel

Bert Louis Mestel, age 94, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, at Carlyle Health and Senior Living. Bert was born on April 20, 1930, in Collinsville, IL, to Bert L. Mestel and Eleanor “Juda” Roark.

Bert graduated high school in Collinsville. On April 22, 1950, he married the love of his life, Pauline. To that union, three beautiful children were born, one son and two daughters. Bert joined the United States Marines Corps, and where he served as drill sergeant at Camp Pendleton during the Korean War. Bert worked as a manager at Granite City Steel, from which he retired after many years. After retirement, Bert returned to work as a school bus driver, and continued driving for thirty years. Bert was a devoted member of Bellville First Church of the Nazarene. He was also a member of the Collinsville Chorale from 1995 to 2015, where he enjoyed singing bass. In April of 2020, Bert and Pauline celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary prior to Pauline’s passing in November that year.

Bert loved the outdoors. His many hobbies that he loved included fishing, hunting, camping, bowling and playing soft ball, which he continued to do until he was 70 years old. He especially loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.

Bert leaves to cherish his memory, his son, Kevin (Brenda) Mestel, of Collinsville, IL; two daughters, Sandra Boze, of Ohio and Kim (Brian) Metheny, of Carlyle, IL; six grandchildren, Holly (Brent) Golden, of Maryville, IL, Scott (Janet Forlani) Mestel, of Dixon, MO, Matthew Boze, of Ohio, Katie Boze of Ohio, Eric (Zach) Metheny, of Edwardsville, IL, and Alexis (Brice) Jones, of Carlyle, IL; six great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Merle Moore, of Swansea, IL.

He was preceded by his parents, Bert and Eleanor; his sister, Laverne; two brothers-in-law, Ben Moore and Richard L. Moore; son-in-law, Steven Boze.

There will be a celebration of Bert’s life on Friday, July 5th 2024, at 1:00 PM, at Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairview Heights, IL, with a visitation prior to service, from 11:00 AM. - 1:00 P.M. Interment to follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Wounded Warriors in honor of Bert.