Richard J Thessing

Richard J. “Preacher” Thessing, 67, of St. Libory, IL, born May 22, 1947 in Belleville, IL, died Monday, Jan. 5, 2015 as the result of a work related accident.

He was a retired coal miner and a semi-retired truck driver.  He formerly served as mayor of St. Libory for 28 years; he was a U.S. Navy Vietnam War veteran; a member of the American Legion Post 683 of St. Libory; formerly active in Khoury and Little League Baseball in St. Libory; and a member of UMWA Local 1148.

You could find Richard riding his motorcycle, fishing, or telling stories at the local watering hole.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alphonse H. Thessing; and his step-father, Urban H. Hundelt.

Surviving are his children, Robyn (Adam) Wellen of Freeburg, IL, Ryan Thessing of Smithton, IL, and Renee Thessing of Nashville, TN; two grandsons, Lex and Clark Wellen; his mother, Francis A., nee Surmeier, Thessing Hundelt of St. Libory, IL; two brothers, Paul Thessing of Freeburg, IL, and Daniel (Barb) Thessing of Venedy, IL; a sister, Ann Tweedy of St. Libory, IL; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

In lieu of all other gifts, memorials may be made to Richard Thessing Grandchildren Education Fund, c/o Village Bank, P.O. Box 325, St. Libory, IL 62282.  Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting mollfuneralhome.com.

Visitation: Visitation will be from 9 AM to 12 Noon on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 at St. Liborius Catholic Church in St. Libory, IL.

Funeral: A memorial service will be held at 12 Noon Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 at St. Liborius Catholic Church with Deacon Andrew Lintker officiating.  Interment will follow in St. Liborius Catholic Cemetery, St. Libory, IL.