John W. Gaerig

John W. Gaerig, 84, of Red Bud, formerly of Du Quoin, passed away at 7:50 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013 at the Red Bud Regional Hospital in Red Bud.

John was a retired mine manager for Consolidated Coal Company. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a long-time member of the Du Quoin Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Steeleville American Legion and had been a member of the Du Quoin American Legion. He was a lifetime member of the Du Quoin Elks Lodge. In his retirement he got many years of enjoyment from his Du Quoin Indian football team. He was an avid Du Quoin football fan.

He was born Dec. 29, 1928 at Du Quoin, Ill. the son of Charles and Clara (Mann) Gaerig.

John married Christina Thomas on June 19, 1954 at the Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Royalton and she survives.

He is survived by his wife of Red Bud, daughter- Julia Ann Bransky and husband Howard of Los Angeles, Calif., son- John Daniel Gaerig and wife Julie of Berryville, Va., grandchildren- Audrey Ray Gaerig and Alexes Gaerig both of Berryville, Va., two sisters- Ann Huff and husband Fred of Du Quoin and Mary Catherine Stanhouse of Livonia, Mich., brother- Carl D. Gaerig and wife Ruth of Dearborn, Mich., several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and half brother and his wife- Charles Siefert and wife Tona.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16, 2013 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Fr. Justin Foster officiating.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.

Burial will be in the Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Cemetery at Royalton.

Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin VFW, Du Quoin American Legion and the Army National Guard.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.