Bernard J Starr

Born May 20, 1936 in Peoria to James Russell and Catherine Alice Campion Starr, he married Carol Jean Knowles on February 15, 1958 in Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Bernard J. (Vicki) Starr, Jr. of Crofton, Kentucky and Bob (Debbie) Starr of Pekin; four daughters, Rita (Tim) Buss of Green Valley, Catherine (Greg) Nash of Manito, Sandra (Wayne) Wiseman of San Jose, and Lynda (Tony) Reader of Smithfield; thirteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three brothers, Bob (Catherine) Starr of Caledonia, Mississippi, John (Darlene) Starr of Creve Coeur, and Joe (Mary) Starr of East Peoria; and one sister, Shirley (Lyle) Weihmeir of Creve Coeur.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and two brothers.

A United States Army veteran of the Korean War, he served from August 3, 1954 to July 23, 1957 and was a paratrooper.

Bernie worked for Caterpillar, Inc. from 1964 to 1976 and Carpenters Local #644 in Pekin from 1976 to 1988. He later owned and operated Ol-Bernies Bait Shop in rural Havana from 1999 to 2004.

He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #15014 in Springfield and Chautauqua Sportsmen's Club in rural Havana.

An avid fisherman and hunter, he enjoyed camping. He was a Green Bay Packers football fan.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 18, 2005 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. John M. Duden, Jr. and Rev. Chuck Tate will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday and also 30 minutes before the funeral Friday, both at the funeral home. Burial will be at Green Valley Cemetery in Green Valley with military rites by the United States Army and Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Light Hospice, 2000 West Pioneer Parkway, Suite 18B, Peoria, Illinois 61615.